Each stage of the grantmaking process can raise opportunities for funders to either perpetuate or eliminate inequities. From the initial outreach to the final award notification, if equity is not a core consideration in its design, this process can favor organizations with more resources while disadvantaging those that are equally or more qualified but have fewer resources.
In a recent Grantmakers in Health article, our team at AcademyHealth and colleagues at the de Beaumont Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation discuss the importance of integrating equity into each stage of the grant process. We highlight two initiatives, Community Research for Health Equity (CRHE) and Modernized Anti-racist Data Ecosystems (MADE) for Health Justice, both funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
We discuss three strategies for creating an equity-centered application process:
- Design with Intention: Ensure that the application process intentionally shifts power to community-based organizations by requiring them to be the lead in the grant proposals. We recommend involving reviewers with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to help identify strong applicants genuinely invested in equity-driven work.
- Build Significant Time into the Application Process: Allow ample time for applicants to understand and prepare for the application process. Include timelines that accommodate potential delays and support fairness and transparency.
- Provide Support According to Applicant’s Needs: Recognize that applicants have diverse needs and require varied support to meet them. We give examples of different types of technical assistance, including flexible budgeting, and resources tailored to applicants’ preferences, helping them construct competitive proposals.
These strategies ensure funders can effectively identify and support qualified applicants from a diverse pool, while establishing trust and strong relationships between funders and community partners. The authentic community led work produced from the CRHE and MADE for Health Justice programs demonstrate the tangible benefits and necessity of equity-centered processes in philanthropy, enhancing both the impact of investment and the partnerships formed through grantmaking. Ultimately, philanthropy holds the power to drive change through its grantmaking processes and therefore, it is essential for them to practice what they preach and align their processes with their values.
Read the full article on Grantmakers in Health here.