My Focus is My Locus - Equity in philanthropy: what it means to build giving that centers the communities who have historically been left out of the room.

Introduction

Philanthropy has the power to create extraordinary change, but that power becomes even greater when more people have a voice in shaping where resources go, how decisions are made, and what impact looks like.

For me, equitable philanthropy begins with relationships. It requires us to listen differently, challenge assumptions, recognize generosity in all its forms, and be brave enough to trust people to understand what their communities need. It also asks us to examine who has traditionally been invited into philanthropic spaces, whose contributions have or have not been recognized, and whose leadership has or has not shaped decisions.

As we recognize Black Philanthropy Month, I believe we have an opportunity to honor a rich history of generosity while considering how we build a more inclusive future for philanthropy.

What does Black Philanthropy Month mean to you, both in your work with AFP Silicon Valley and in your own giving?

Black Philanthropy Month reminds us that generosity has always been part of Black communities, long before it was widely recognized or called philanthropy. Too often, people assume Black philanthropy is something new. It is not.

For generations, Black families, neighbors, churches, and community institutions have pooled resources, cared for one another, funded education, supported businesses, responded during times of hardship, and created opportunities where few existed. The Black church, in particular, has long served as a center for giving, organizing, and collective investment.

For me, this month honors that legacy while challenging us to broaden how we recognize philanthropists. Giving does not begin with wealth. Time, talent, resources, advocacy, mentorship, relationships, and financial contributions all have the power to create change.

In my work with AFP Silicon Valley and in my own giving, I want more people to see themselves as philanthropists and recognize that generosity has many expressions.

Has there been a moment in your fundraising work where centering historically excluded donors or communities changed the outcome, or changed how you approached the ask?

One story has stayed with me because it demonstrates what trust can require from a funder.

A funder I know provided financial support to an organization working overseas. She told the organization's leaders that she wanted them to trust her, communicate openly, and be honest about what they needed.

Then something happened that no grant agreement could have anticipated. The organization's leader passed away.

The organization did not have sufficient resources to bury their leader. They went back to the funder and told her candidly that they could not move forward with the work while their leader remained unburied. They needed to use a portion of the funding for the burial and believed they could still accomplish approximately 75 to 85 percent of the originally planned work.

Her initial reaction was discomfort. The money had been given for a particular purpose, and now they wanted to use some of it differently.

Then she checked herself.

She had asked them to trust her. She had asked them to be honest. Now she had to decide whether she really meant it.

She trusted their leadership and their understanding of what was needed. They buried their leader, ultimately completed approximately 95 percent of the work, and built a relationship with the funder that continued well beyond that grant.

That story stays with me because trust based philanthropy becomes real when trust is tested. Sometimes equitable philanthropy requires funders to relinquish control and recognize that the people closest to the work may understand what is needed better than we do.

What is one leading practice you'd want other nonprofit leaders to adopt around equitable fundraising?

Lead with curiosity.

Learn why someone gives, what they care about, how they want to engage, and what experiences have shaped their view of philanthropy. Be willing to question the assumptions we sometimes make about who has the capacity or desire to give based on a person's title, background, ZIP code, or perceived wealth.

Every person brings something of value. When we approach fundraising with curiosity rather than assumptions, we discover possibilities we might otherwise miss.

What do you wish more nonprofit leaders understood about the difference between diversifying a donor base and actually sharing power with the communities they're asking to give?

Diversifying your donor base may change who is on your list. Sharing power changes who helps make decisions.

That distinction matters.

Representation alone does not guarantee influence. We can invite new people into an organization while continuing to operate within systems, traditions, and priorities they had no role in creating.

Sharing power requires us to examine who helps set priorities, whose expertise carries weight, who participates in decisions, and whether we are willing to change direction because of what we hear. Inviting someone into the room is one step. Valuing their influence once they arrive is another.

What would you tell an emerging leader who wants to build more inclusive donor relationships but isn't sure where to start?

Start by listening. Approach each relationship with curiosity, take the time to ask thoughtful questions, show up consistently, and learn someone's story before asking them to invest in yours.

Rather than beginning with, "How much can this person give?" consider asking, "Who is this person? What matters to them? What can I learn from them? What might we accomplish together?"

People want to know that their interests, experiences, and aspirations matter. When that foundation exists, an authentic philanthropic relationship has room to grow.

Closing

Equitable philanthropy asks us to think differently about generosity, leadership, and who has the power to influence change. It also challenges us to recognize that some of the practices we have inherited may no longer serve the future we are trying to create.

My hope is that we remain curious enough to learn, courageous enough to challenge our assumptions, and open enough to recognize philanthropy in all the ways it shows up.

There is room for all of us in philanthropy. Each of us has something meaningful to contribute, and when those contributions are valued, our collective impact becomes even greater.

That is how we build stronger communities together.

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Illyasha Peete, MBA
President, AFP Silicon Valley