How Companies Can Implement Participatory Grant Making Strategies That Drive Results

Participatory grant making is gaining momentum as an effective way for companies to engage with communities and empower them to make decisions about grant funding. However, many companies struggle to move from talk to action and implement effective participatory grant-making strategies that drive results.

In this article, we will explore how companies can successfully implement participatory grant-making strategies that make a real impact.

#ParticipatoryGrantMaking #CommunityEmpowerment #CollaborativeDecisionMaking #ImpactfulGrantMaking #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CommunityEngagement

Successful Projects

One example of a successful participatory grant-making project is the Patagonia Environmental Grants program. This program involves a committee of employees and environmental activists who review grant applications and make funding recommendations. The program has been successful in supporting #grassroots organisations that work to protect the environment, such as Clean Air Task Force , which works to reduce air pollution.

Another successful example is the 星巴克 Foundation's Opportunity for All program. This program involves a community review panel that evaluates grant applications and makes funding decisions. The program has been successful in supporting initiatives that address the opportunity gap, such as the National Urban League 's workforce development program, which provides job training and placement services to underserved communities.

Unsuccessful Projects

One example of an unsuccessful participatory grant-making project is the PepsiCo Foundation Refresh Project. This program allowed the public to vote on which community projects should receive funding, but it was criticised for lacking clear criteria and guidelines for funding decisions. As a result, the program funded some projects that were not aligned with the company's values, such as a project that promoted the use of high fructose corn syrup. So for orgs trying to get something sorted themselves, having solid criteria (and sticking to their values) is probably a good idea.

Another unsuccessful example is the Chase Community Giving program. This program allowed the public to vote on which charities should receive funding, but it was criticised for not adequately involving the community in the decision-making process. The program also faced criticism for funding some organisations with questionable practices, such as an animal shelter that was later found to be engaging in animal abuse. No fun at all. So making sure the due diligence is done properly is always a good call; that's why bringing in the experts like NPC (New Philanthropy Capital) or another charity research organisation would be a good shout.

Implementing Effective Participatory Grant-Making Strategies

To implement effective participatory grant-making strategies that drive results, companies must prioritise community engagement and collaboration. This involves involving community members in the decision-making process from the beginning, using clear criteria and guidelines for funding decisions, and ensuring that the process is transparent and fair.

In addition, companies must establish clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders, provide training and support for community members who are involved in the process, and use data-driven approaches to evaluate the impact of funded projects. It is also important to establish strong governance structures and risk management strategies to mitigate potential risks and ensure that the project stays on track.

There's a lot to do, for sure, but don't forget that if an organisation is an existing funder, the step to move from where they currently are to this isn't that far. Sure there will be some additional steps, but the impact far outweighs the costs - as we'll be discussing in next weeks newsletter, so do subscribe!

In conclusion, participatory grant making is an effective way for companies to engage with communities and drive impact through collaborative decision-making. By prioritising community engagement, using clear guidelines and criteria for funding decisions, and establishing strong governance structures, companies can successfully implement participatory grant-making strategies that make a real impact.

#ParticipatoryGrantMaking #CommunityEmpowerment #CollaborativeDecisionMaking #ImpactfulGrantMaking #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CommunityEngagement #EffectiveGrantMakingStrategies #CommunityLedInitiatives