DISCUSS: Reimagining Philanthropy: Inclusive and Innovative Approaches to Grant-making for Community-led Conservation

Philanthropic organizations, such as private foundations, are important actors in supporting conservation at the community level, often serving as the principal source of funding for grassroots NGOs and community-based organizations. Foundations and their partners therefore have a unique opportunity, as well as responsibility, to ensure that ‘local community participation’ evolves from light touch exchanges to meaningful participation at every stage of the process. This session will explore some of the ways that foundations support and partner with communities. It will highlight some new trends in philanthropy, in particular the emerging role of Indigenous-led grant-making. Speakers will discuss these developments, reflect on best practice and describe case-studies featuring advocacy for rights-based approaches to conservation and the launch of Indigenous-led funds in diverse regions.