Building stronger relationships beyond grantmaking

Last month we shared our specific efforts to revise our processes to align with equitable grantmaking practices both internally and externally. These processes are the manifestation of our Equity of Opportunity strategy that we revealed in 2019 to lead and inspire philanthropy to increase equity for all the region’s residents. As the Community Foundation transitions to more equitable grantmaking, our overarching goal is to exhibit as an agenda setter, a supporter and a community builder. As we evolve from transactional grantmaking to relational grantmaking, our hope is that the manifestations of our engagement with organizations will reflect our intent to set impactful agendas, to support initiatives that mitigate inequities and/or to build a stronger more united Atlanta

As our equitable grantmaking strategies evolve they will encapsulate not only the funds that we grant into the community, but more importantly the relationships that we develop to strengthen our bonds or “connectivity” in the community. For the Community Foundation, the Equity of Opportunity architecture developed in 2019 created a paradigm shift and new pathways for engagement. But COVID, a recession and the prevalence of racial inequities have fortified our belief that focusing on relationships matters. Focusing on the ways that we [philanthropy] “regard and behave” with organizations matters.

Our staff is energized to transition from transactional grantmaking to relational grantmaking when we launch grant opportunities. We’re excited to identify and deliver new ways of engagement with and empowerment for nonprofits beyond grantmaking. We’re motivated by the new levels of connectivity with constituents and community leaders. And as such, we’ll continue to communicate and provide updates about what’s to come in terms of future grant opportunities. Please continue to familiarize yourself with our three pillars and the strategic thrust within each pillar to identify alignment for potential grantmaking and partnership opportunities.

Our commitments include putting into action equitable grantmaking strategies, engaging our donors in support of this work and utilizing marketing and storytelling to intentionally create and uplift equitable opportunities.