In this episode of the Philanthropisms podcast we talk to Farai Chideya, journalist, writer, academic and lead author of a recent report from Bridgespan Group, “Philanthropy for a Multiracial Democracy: How Investing in Pluralism Can Open the Aperture for Democracy Funders”.
We discuss:
Why is pluralism so important as an ideal, and what barriers/threats prevent it being realised?- Why is it particularly important to emphasise multiracialism as an aspect of pluralism?
- What does it look like in practice to foster pluralism as a philanthropic funder?
- Does philanthropic pluralism naturally lead to a pluralistic society, or are there regressive philanthropic actors who want limit pluralism in society? Can we square these two things?
- Is there too much focus on elections when it comes to defining democracy-building philanthropy, at the expense of other elements of democracy?
- Why is a long-term perspective so important when it comes to funding democracy and pluralism?
- Why is collaboration so important?
- Why does it often pay to focus at a local level?
- How are funders harnessing storytelling and creative arts as tools for fostering pluralism?
- Might donors need to look beyond traditional nonprofit structures at times, and support work that is more overtly political? Does there need to be a clear distinction between this work and traditional philanthropy, or at the lines increasingly blurred?
- Can progressive funders take any lessons from the successes of conservative philanthropic funders in the US over the last 50 years, when it comes to the power of long-term, unrestricted funding for grassroots organisations as a means of shifting the parameters of political debate?
- Do concerns about an authoritarian crackdown on civil society during the second Trump administration mean that funders might have to put longer term ambitions of fostering pluralism on hold in order to address more immediate challenges, or is leaning into support pluralism part of an effective response?
- Has the idea of pluralism itself become more politicised, and is there a risk that this might make some funders more reluctant to fund this kind of work?
Related links:
- Bridgespan’s report, “Philanthropy for a Multiracial Democracy: How Investing in Pluralism Can Open the Aperture for Democracy Funders“
- Upcoming webinar on the report (March 25th)
- Farai’s podcast “Our Body Politic” (currently on pause, but past episodes available).
- Philanthropisms podcast interview with Daniel Stid
- Philanthropisms episode on pluralism
- WPM article on “Philanthropy at a time of chaos“
