Participatory grantmaking is an approach to philanthropy that shifts decision-making power to the people and communities most impacted by the issues funding seeks to address. Rather than relying solely on traditional grantmaking structures, participatory grantmaking engages community members, leaders, and organizations as partners in shaping funding priorities and decisions.
At Scattergood Foundation, we believe this approach strengthens philanthropy by giving greater voice and choice to constituents with lived experience and deep community knowledge. By bringing new perspectives into the grantmaking process, participatory grantmaking helps ensure funding decisions are more equitable, responsive, and grounded in the realities of communities themselves. This collaborative approach fosters stronger partnerships between funders and communities while advancing more inclusive and community-driven philanthropy.
To date, Scattergood Foundation has hosted three participatory grantmaking initiatives, investing more than $8 million in over 100 grassroots organizations through a community-driven approach that engaged more than 150 community grantmakers.
The Community Fund for Immigrant Wellness supports immigrant and refugee communities by investing in organizations that remove barriers and create opportunities for immigrant communities to live with dignity and joy. Through its participatory grantmaking approach, the Community Fund reimagines traditional philanthropy by shifting decision-making power closer to immigrant and refugee communities. Rooted in equity, shared leadership, and trust-building, the Fund engages community members, leaders, and organizations with lived experience to shape funding priorities and guide…
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The Kensington Community Resilience Fund (KCR Fund) is a participatory grantmaking initiative that supports community wellness and resilience in the Kensington, Harrowgate, and Fairhill neighborhoods. Rooted in the strength, civic pride, and cultural diversity of the community, the Fund shifts decision-making power to residents and community leaders who help guide funding priorities and grant decisions. Through a community-driven model, the KCR Fund provides grants and capacity-building support to organizations addressing the quality-of-life concerns most important…
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The Overdose Prevention and Community Healing Fund was a participatory grantmaking initiative that used national opioid settlement dollars to repair harms caused by the opioid epidemic and overdose crisis across Philadelphia. Rather than relying on traditional funding structures, the Prevention Fund centered the voices and lived experiences of individuals, families, and communities most impacted by the crisis. Facilitated and administered by the Scattergood Foundation, the Prevention Fund supported community-based organizations working in treatment, recovery, overdose…
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