Sharing Power? The Landscape of Participatory Practices & Grantmaking Among Large U.S. Foundations.

Abstract

This report explores the landscape of participatory practices and grantmaking among the largest foundations in the United States (by total assets), guided by four key research questions. What is the scope of direct engagement in participatory practices and grantmaking among large philanthropic foundations in the United States? What is the scope of indirect engagement (through funding) in participatory practices and grantmaking among large philanthropic foundations in the United States? What are the benefits and barriers foundations face in adopting and implementing participatory practices and grantmaking? How do foundations define and measure the outcomes associated with participatory practices and grantmaking?