A few years ago, offline, a guest mentioned a term that represented a concept that put a metaphorical pebble in my shoe – “philanthropic redlining.” I knew a bit of the history of redlining from real estate practices in the U.S., and of course I also knew, generally, what philanthropy was, but to hear them together took me aback. If this is your first time hearing the term, no sweat! This interview with Erin Weber-Johnson is a great place to start (as well as my interview with Shannon Polk). We explore what philanthropic redlining is, why it’s problematic, and what can be done to help create more equity in philanthropic spaces. I invite you to lean in and listen – see if you hear anything familiar and maybe even ask how you might be able to make a difference in your context.
PS – As we discuss in the episode, my plan is to research the topic for my PhD studies. If you are a faith-based leader responsible for fundraising and have experienced philanthropic redlining (or think you may have), please reach out! I’d love to chat!
Mentioned in this episode:
Crisis and Care: Meditations on Faith and Philanthropy edited by Dustin D. Benac and Erin Weber-Johnson
Nobody Cries When We Die: God, Community, and Surviving to Adulthood by Patrick B. Reyes
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
You might also enjoy:
Ep. 082 with Shannon Polk
Ep. 162 with Jasmin Shupper
Ep. 097 with Duke Kwon