Choice Points: Equity-centered Grantmaking

In an ideal world, social entrepreneurship allows for driven individuals to take initiative and build organizations that address the needs of their communities freed from constraints that might otherwise limit them. To get to this ideal, we–as individuals, institutions, and societies–need to lessen any restrictions that may be placed on their potential, including widening the space and deepening the resources to help leaders and collaborators operate to their greatest potential. Echoing Green has taken several steps to think about our application and selection, and we are constantly trying to improve processes where we see bias pop up. Our data and observations, and those of our partners in the field, show us that funding disparities exist, that inclusion and diversity are not universally regarded as benefits, and that representation in decision-making is far from equitable. Data tells us what we should know, but knowing is not enough. It’s important for all of us in the social change ecosystem–from leaders, support systems, funders–to consider what it might take to make sure doors open when leaders are prepared to knock on them.