Looking in the Mirror: Equity in Practice for Philanthropy

What is the relationship between philanthropy, materiality and public space?

“…Edgar Villanueva (2018) discusses how attention to (de)colonisation compels the philanthropic realm to confront racial exploitation and divisions embedded in white supremacy, saviour complexes and internalised oppression in the (institutional) world of philanthropy, which contributes to social division and instability. Philanthropic bodies engage in critical reflection and action that drives racial equity/equity in areas such as evaluation practices (Dean‐Coffey, 2018) and through internal reflection and culture change (Azevedo et al, 2021; Buteau & Orensten, 2020, pp.15–19; Young et al, 2017). However, Jung et al (2022, p.9) found that some foundations’ responses to the murder of Mr. George Floyd and the BLM movement communicated both ‘racist (assimilationist and non‐racist) messages.’ Although foundations state a commitment to racial equity, as part of an assimilationist approach, they also ‘covertly convey the notion of Black communities’ inferiority as supporting and helping Black people’ (ibid.).…”