Reimagining Philanthropy: Why Resistance, Radical Collaboration, and Trust Are the Keys to Real Progress

Philanthropy has the potential to advance equity and drive transformative social change. But too often, traditional funding structures reinforce inequitable power dynamics, inhibiting progress and stifling coordination as organizations compete with one another over limited funds. It is a persistent problem that will likely intensify as the communities most impacted by philanthropy begin to feel the effects of sweeping public policy changes and budget cuts.

In this candid and timely session, Rachel D’Souza will explore how fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, and funders can reimagine philanthropy by cultivating equitable relationships and disrupting entrenched systems that are harming the communities we serve; Rachel will challenge attendees to rethink their approach to fundraising and grantmaking, reject divisive scarcity mindsets, and lean into trust-based systems and radical collaboration; and she’ll offer real-world examples of organizations who have embraced this approach, arming participants with practical strategies to consider as we face this moment of uncertainty.

Please choose one session per 1:45pm time slot.

Presenter: Rachel D’Souza, Founder & President, Gladiator Consulting, and a Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council Member