Philanthropy at a crossroads: Supporting grassroot women’s organisations or fuelling inequality?

At the international level, we can see two major trends – one positive and one deeply concerning.

A growing number of funders are recognising the need to rethink traditional philanthropic approaches. More funders now understand the value of providing long-term, flexible core support rather than short-term project-based funding. This shift allows non-profits to strengthen their internal capacities and develop strategic, long-term visions. Investing in organisations rather than individual projects fosters sustainability and impact.

This trend aligns with the complexity of the challenges we aim to address – such as gender inequality and climate change – which demand sustained efforts and deep trust between funders and grantees. Simplifying grant application and reporting processes further enhances this impact by reducing bureaucracy, allowing organisations to focus on their missions. Importantly, streamlined processes also open funding opportunities to grassroots organisations that may lack the professionalised structures of large NGOs.

A concerning challenge: The lack of funding for women’s rights

Despite the progress in philanthropic practices, funding for women’s rights remains alarmingly low. According to AWID’s 2021 data:

• Only 0.42% of foundation grants are allocated to women’s rights
• 99% of development aid and foundation grants do not directly reach women’s rights organisations, with groups representing marginalised communities – such as LBTIQ, Indigenous, migrant and young women – being especially underfunded

Even more concerning is the trend of some historically supportive funders shifting priorities away from women’s rights, as well as US funding cuts to civil society organisations.

This is happening at a time when anti-gender organisations, often aligned with far-right political agendas, are receiving significant financial backing. According to the European Parliamentary Forum, annual anti-gender funding in Europe quadrupled from $22.2 million in 2009 to $96 million in 2018. These groups actively oppose women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and migrant rights, using their financial resources to amplify their discourse and gain political influence.

The role of women’s organisations in social change

The importance of women’s movements in advancing social change is well-documented. A study by Mala Htun and S. Laurel Weldon analysing gender-based violence policies in over 70 countries from 1975 to 2005 found that the presence of independent feminist movements was the most critical factor in adopting policies against gender-based violence in these countries; even more important than the country’s GDP or the number of women in Parliament.

Recent research we have carried out in Spain shows the impact the women’s movement has had in Spain over the last decades, advancing equality policies and the recognition of rights, with achievements such as:

• Gender-based violence is now considered a state issue
• Abortion is recognised as a right
• There are laws recognising the rights of trans people
• Domestic workers have the right to unemployment benefits

These advances demonstrate how women’s movements transform social norms and expand political possibilities. However, rights won are not necessarily permanent and face ongoing threats from anti-rights movements.

How can we better support the women’s movement and self-led organisations?

Women’s funds play a crucial role in strengthening women’s movements. European Women’s Funds, part of Prospera, the International Network of Women’s Funds, have recently systematised their model, which is characterised by:

• Supporting organisations led by those most impacted, particularly those excluded from traditional funding
• Providing flexible, long-term core funding to activists
• Facilitating emergency funding in crisis situations
• Breaking down funding silos by supporting intersectional work
• Promoting alliance-building among organisations
• Connecting donors with frontline grassroots organisations
• Engaging activists in capacity-building and leadership development
• Investing in the self and collective care of activists

A key aspect is that we need to listen to our grantees more. A few years ago, we conducted an assessment of the migrant women’s movement in Spain to better understand how to support it. We hired a migrant researcher and used a participatory methodology that had been implemented internationally by other funders. However, we received criticism from the movement, which would have preferred to be involved from the very beginning in defining the objectives and methodology of the research.

Since then, we created an advisory group for our Migrant Justice Programme. Whenever we undertake research, capacity-building, or alliance-building activities, they participate directly in defining and implementing the activities from the outset and receive compensation for their time. We also introduced a participatory grantmaking methodology, allowing organisations applying for support to vote on the best proposals based on their own perspectives.

Some of the benefits of this shift include:

• A stronger sense of ownership of the programme among the migrant women community we support
• Increased collaboration between organisations that previously did not know each other, leading to further partnerships beyond the programme
• A sense of recognition among activists, who feel that their knowledge and perspectives are valued and respected

Women’s organisations led by those most affected by inequality are best equipped to understand their own contexts, challenges and needs. We know that self-led organisations in the frontlines have very valuable impact in sustaining democracy and advancing social justice.

In light of the complicated context we find ourselves in, it is more urgent than ever that we all review our funding strategies and support these organisations. If you are interested in learning with other funders on how to better support gender equality and women’s rights, you can join Philea’s Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network.