{"id":3668,"date":"2021-11-09T16:49:33","date_gmt":"2021-11-09T19:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redecomua.org.br\/?p=3668"},"modified":"2023-08-12T16:41:06","modified_gmt":"2023-08-12T19:41:06","slug":"filantropia-de-justica-social","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/filantropia-de-justica-social\/","title":{"rendered":"Social justice philanthropy: Is it possible to talk about collaborative philanthropy and participatory grantmaking without considering issues related to human rights and social justice?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Graciela Hopstein \u2013 Executive Coordinator of the Philanthropy Network for Social Justice<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

In 2018, when the book \u201cPhilanthropy of social justice, civil society and social movements in Brazil\u201d was released [1]<\/a>, one of the fundamental questions that motivated the production of the publication was to put the concepts of philanthropy and grantmaking <\/em>[2]<\/a> of social justice at the heart of the debate. In fact, one of the main theses raised throughout the collection was that in Brazil the concept of philanthropy historically carries pejorative connotations and is normally associated with charitable actions. To overcome this trend, the concept of private social investment (ISP) was installed, often replacing the notion of philanthropy) as it is commonly \u201cmore accepted\u201d by civil society and the citizen sector. <\/span><\/p>\n

Based on this scenario, one of the challenges of the collection was to be able to deconstruct and construct (simultaneously) the concept of philanthropy, recovering its original meaning \u201cof humanitarianism, help and love for others\u201d and highlighting the importance of donating resources to civil society organizations (mainly small and medium-sized ones), showing a diversity of grantmaking<\/em> in the areas of human rights and social justice, a strategy that we consider fundamental for strengthening the sector and, therefore, Brazilian democracy. <\/span><\/p>\n

After almost three years since then, we can corroborate that concepts such as philanthropy, culture of donation and grantmaking<\/em> has been gaining new momentum, recognition and acceptance from various actors working in the philanthropic sector and ISP in Brazil. <\/span><\/p>\n

We cannot fail to mention that this trend, perhaps incipient and timid, is the result of intense and persevering advocacy work (advocacy<\/em>) developed by actors who are part of the local philanthropic ecosystem [3]<\/a> through a diverse set of actions such as the production of publications, videos and the promotion of debates in seminars, groups and thematic networks. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although we still have to face several challenges linked to both the constructed narratives and the understanding of these concepts (and their practices) by a wider public, we can observe (I insist, in a timid way) some trends that indicate the expansion and strengthening of diverse practices in grantmaking<\/em> and the culture of donation in Brazil. <\/span><\/p>\n

A Social Justice Philanthropy Network (Network)<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 currently made up of 13 members \u2013 is a strategic actor in supporting organizations and social movements in Brazil. From diversified shares of grantmaking<\/em> in the areas of human rights and social justice, organizations in the Network <\/strong>directly donated (through the transfer of resources) a total of R$ 197,129,770.71 (since its creation until 2018) to activists, rights defenders, movements, groups\/collectives, networks and civil society organizations Brazilian. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to data from the GIFE 2018 Census (GIFE, 2019), the practices of grantmaking <\/em>have become increasingly relevant in the context of Brazilian ISP and \u201calthough the direct execution of own projects still prevails in financial volume, the percentage of resources allocated to projects, programs, actions or management of third parties grew from 21% to 35% from 2016 to 2018, reaching the highest proportion in the historical series\u201d [4]<\/a>. In fact, we can state here the existence of partnerships between foundations and business and family institutes with members of the Network<\/strong>, which indicates the strengthening of the local philanthropic ecosystem based on collaborative practices and articulations between different actors involving local foundations and funds and international philanthropic organizations, based on the creation of alliances with the capacity to enable significant donations to civil society, in several fronts and areas of activity for different audiences. <\/span><\/p>\n

It is also possible to observe that the culture of donation has been visibly strengthening, taking a significant leap in the context of the pandemic. According to the ABCR Donations Monitor [5]<\/a>, in response to COVID-19, in 2020 an amount of R$ 6,538,338,648 was donated, from 554,843 donors. The question that arises from this information is: is this a dynamic that will be permanently installed in Brazilian society or is it a specific mobilization in response to an emergency and\/or social catastrophe?<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result of the increase in resources allocated to grantmaking<\/em> and the multiple existing initiatives aimed at expanding and strengthening the culture of donation [6]<\/a>, concepts such as collaborative philanthropy, venture philanthropy <\/em>[7]<\/a> It is participatory grantmaking<\/em> (grantamking<\/em> participatory) has emerged and established itself visibly in the context of the local philanthropic ecosystem. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to the text written by Erika Saez and Graziela Santiago [8]<\/a> (published on this blog<\/a>) the idea of collaborative philanthropy refers to collaborative practices between philanthropic actors \u2013 donors or managers of philanthropic resources \u2013 in relation to the mobilization, coordination, allocation and\/or management of private financial resources for the production of public good. In turn, the concept of participatory grantmaking<\/em> which emerges from grassroots activist movements, represents a counterpoint to traditional models of doing philanthropy, decentralizing \u201cdecision-making control over the allocation of resources to the affected communities themselves [that benefit from it]\u201d (CANDID, 2020) [9]<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

We can find common elements in the concepts presented: collaboration, alliances, partnerships, diversity of actors, horizontal relationships, participation, co-creation, etc. However, from the analysis of philanthropic practices at the local level, we can recognize some limitations in the implementation of these concepts, that is, in the ways of doing philanthropy. And it is from this statement that the following questions arise: how are social financing agendas constructed? You grantees<\/em> and\/or do potential grantees effectively participate in the co-creation and decision-making processes? Are the financing areas aligned only with donor agendas or are the needs and demands of donors also considered? grantees<\/em>\/social actors working in the field?<\/span><\/p>\n

To move forward with the analysis, we consider it necessary to make some considerations regarding the concepts presented. <\/span><\/p>\n

Firstly, it is important to recognize the limitations derived from essentialist conceptual approaches because, in fact, it is not concepts that guide actions, but the opposite. Starting from a material approach, the concepts emerge from reflection and analysis on practices, experiences and actions developed in different contexts by a multiplicity of actors. Considering concepts as guides to conduct actions can lead to the imposition of ready-made models, in a dynamic installed, most of the time, from top to bottom, ignoring the particularities and specificities of the different realities and social contexts, and the characteristics of the actors involved. These actions often give rise to the installation of technocratic and distorted discourses, emptying concepts of meaning, mainly due to the lack of recognition of the power of what really exists and happens in the fields of action. [10]<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Following this analytical line, and to move forward with the construction of a local philanthropy that effectively incorporates collaborative and participatory practices, it is essential to install a \u201cdecolonial turn\u201d (abandoning the perspective of coloniality) understood as the attempt to break with the structures and knowledge legacies of the colonization process. Decoloniality admits that there is an imposition of knowledge from the predominantly white and male global north, to the detriment of the knowledge of the black population in Africa and diasporas, women, indigenous peoples, the LGBTIQ+ population, among other groups and political minorities. <\/span><\/p>\n

From this vision\/approach, it is essential to include some strategic reflections that allow us to think about participatory and collaborative philanthropy from a political perspective. In fact, mobilizing resources and\/or donating to civil society (through grantmaking<\/em>) are practices that must be conceived as a political act because they imply the recognition of the existence of dynamics and social actors with the capacity to organize, to respond to the problems they face autonomously, based on their potential and needs, and with a role protagonist in decision-making processes. The issue of power also emerges as a key and priority theme, taking into account that in the donor and donee relationship it is not about empowering or \u201cgiving power\u201d to civil society groups and organizations, but about recognizing the power they have in the ability to seek solutions autonomously and its power of action. <\/span><\/p>\n

It is then about building local philanthropy, making visible what has historically been invisible to the eyes of traditional or traditional philanthropy. mainstream<\/em>, recognizing the power of political minorities, giving voice to the margins, peripheries, communities, civil society movements and organizations, understanding that they are not just recipients of donations and executors of projects, but political subjects capable of, in themselves, transform the social realities in which they are inserted. <\/span><\/p>\n

Including a perspective of human rights and social justice is fundamental to acting in the philanthropic field because, in fact, we can say that it is not possible to develop collaborative philanthropy strategies and practices of grantmaking<\/em> participatory in the context of oppressive relationships and without recognizing the political space, voice and decision-making power of the actors involved. It is then about giving new meaning and tropicalizing [11]<\/a> concepts in light of local dynamics, understanding that they take on dimensions and meanings according to their modes of action, in different socio-political contexts. <\/span><\/p>\n

To conclude, and trying to answer the initial question, in our view, the construction of a collaborative and participatory philanthropic field in Brazil will only be possible to the extent that social justice and human rights approaches can be effectively implemented. This is the fundamental starting point for achieving a solid and effectively inclusive and democratic local philanthropic ecosystem. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
[1]<\/a> HOPSTEIN, Graciela (Organizer); Social justice philanthropy, civil society and social movements in Brazil; Rio de Janeiro: E-Papers; 2018. [2]<\/a> For the Social Justice Philanthropy Network, the practices of grantmaking<\/em> consist of financial support to promote the work of civil society organizations, groups, leaders and movements. [3]<\/a> The Brazilian philanthropic ecosystem includes the Philanthropy Network for Social Justice, Gife, ABCR (and its associate networks), Idis, Movimento por uma Cultura de Dona\u00e7\u00e3o and social consultancy companies such as Move, Ponte a Ponte, Mobiliza, among others. [4]<\/a> Good practices in the relationship between financiers and grantees. Technical Note Number 2. S\u00e3o Paulo: Gife, 2020 available at https:\/\/sinapse.gife.org.br\/download\/boas-praticas-na-relacao-entre-financiadores-e-donatarios<\/a> [5]<\/a> Source: https:\/\/www.monitordasdoacoes.org.br\/pt<\/a> [6]<\/a> Day of Giving, Movement for a culture of donation, donation research Brazil [7]<\/a> Venture philanthropy<\/em> is a model in which social investment and the idea of supporting entrepreneurship prevail in an approach that aims to innovate in the relationship between social movements and companies [8]<\/a> SAEZ, Erika and SANTIAGO, Graziela. Philanthropy, social investment and collaboration. Available in https:\/\/www.redefilantropia.org.br\/post\/filantropia-investimento-social<\/a> [9]<\/a> Good practices in the relationship between financiers and grantees. Technical Note Number 2. S\u00e3o Paulo: Gife, 2020. Available at [10]<\/a> This discussion was deepened in the document \u201cExpanding and strengthening community philanthropy in Brazil\u201d, especially regarding the issue of limiting the understanding of the concept of community philanthropy to community foundations, along the lines of the American model. Document available at https:\/\/www.redefilantropia.org.br\/publicacoes\/expandindo-e-fortalecendo-a-filantropia-comunit%C3%A1ria-no-brasil<\/a>. [11]<\/a> For an in-depth look at the tropicalization of concepts, specifically linked to the field of philanthropy, consult the document prepared by the Network, Expanding and strengthening community philanthropy in Brazil, available at https:\/\/www.redefilantropia.org.br\/publicacoes\/expandindo-e-fortalecendo-a-filantropia-comunit%C3%A1ria-no-brasil<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Graciela Hopstein \u2013 Executive Coordinator of the Philanthropy Network for Social Justice<\/p>\n

In 2018, when the book \u201cPhilanthropy of social justice, civil society and social movements in Brazil\u201d [1] was released, one of the fundamental questions that motivated the production of the publication was to put into perspective the concepts of philanthropy and grantmaking [2] of justice social situation at the heart of the debate. In fact, one of the main theses raised throughout the collection was that in Brazil the concept of philanthropy historically carries pejorative connotations and is normally associated with charitable actions. To overcome this trend, the concept of private social investment (ISP) was installed, often replacing the notion of philanthropy) as it is commonly \u201cmore accepted\u201d by civil society and the citizen sector.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5049,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rede-comua","category-justica-socioambiental"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3668"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3668\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress-wyy8bhlsif5v8gukfr0yhxue.studio.tikovolpe.com.br\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}