An Evolving Framework: Centering Movements and Speaking Truth About Power
Late in 2016, NCRP adopted a new strategic framework to guide the organization from 2017 through 2026. Our vision is that philanthropy contributes in meaningful ways to the creation of a more just, democratic and equitable society. Here’s an update on how it’s going.
One of our top goals for this 10-year period is to help philanthropy get better at supporting movements. During the 10 years before this plan started, we noticed that philanthropy got better at funding advocacy. We also noticed that most of the money was going to highly professionalized, mostly white-led organizations. Those organizations are important to driving social change, but they are not sufficient. If we truly want to build a better society, we also need movement organizations that build real people power and organizations led by people of color to be well-resourced.
One of the most significant ways this focus has shifted our day-to-day strategy is that our grassroots movement partners and nonprofit members are now playing a much more significant and centered role in our theory of change than envisioned when we first adopted the framework.
NCRP’s Movement Investment Project, launched in 2018, uses our research, communications and engagement expertise to build both capacity and opportunities for groups to advocate effectively in the sector – and for funders to be better allies to movements. Movement groups are taking a more active role in pushing philanthropy for accountability and improvement, and we hope our work with them has helped make that happen.
Another key goal is to see philanthropy get better at building, sharing and wielding power in pursuit of equity and justice. Our Power Moves toolkit has been used by thousands of foundations to do just that.
We’ve expanded the scope of our work as promised in the strategic framework. Prior to 2016, all of NCRP’s work was targeted at influencing foundations and institutional grantmakers. We now are engaging with high net-worth donors through values aligned networks such as Solidaire, the Democracy Alliance and others as these individuals play increasingly important roles in the funding landscape.
To view the original infographic that explains the strategic framework, see here.
To see a blog post about our mid-point strategic review, see here.