Practicing Equality

During the second panel I attended, I really liked the New Field Foundation’s approach to grantmaking and their utilization of local advisers. It is very sensitive to every aspect of their work and the impact it has on all stakeholders. Bravo. 

Interestingly, one of the other grantmakers on the panel relied on volunteer local advisers and actually used the term “gatekeeper.” It raised an ethical concern about not paying people for their time and dedication to their communities, as well as the issue of introducing a power dynamic that was not there before (a single person having the power to give access to grant money overseas). The question was brought up, the panelist danced around the main issue, and conversation continued through lunch.

How is it fair to use someone’s passion and commitment to do your due diligence without compensation? Even if they are willing to do it for you, are the repercussions of introducing a new power dynamic into a community ethical? Personally, I’m envisioning the Stanford Prison study…eek. Each grantmaker must choose a strategy that suits the given resources. However, at the end of the day, equality must be practiced and not just preached.

Blog submitted by Lorrie Fair, Director of Programs, Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (a charitabel services fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Craig Cichy is a program officer for the Entertainment Industry Foundation.