Fostering Participatory Learning Approaches in Philanthropy: A Guide for the Curious

The philanthropic sector has faced calls for increased transparency, inclusivity, and equity, prompting a reevaluation of how foundations engage with the communities they support. Participatory learning is a response to these calls, offering a pathway to more culturally responsive and equitable approaches. By integrating grantee and community input, and addressing limitations in traditional feedback loops, foundations can better align their work with the lived realities of those they aim to serve.

The Guide is the first comprehensive resource for funders that focuses on practical tools, tips, and examples for integrating participatory learning into a foundation’s practice. In developing the Guide, we conducted interviews with staff members at foundations, fielded a survey of grantees, and facilitated focus groups with Equitable Evaluation Initiative practice partners. We thank the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, the California Health Care Foundation, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman, Conrad N. Hilton, James Irvine, and Walton Family Foundations for funding the Guide and sharing their insights and perspectives.