Lighting the way: A report for philanthropy on the power and promise of feminist movements

Recognizing that gender inequality is one of the oldest and most pervasive forms of inequality globally, the report focuses on the role feminist movements can play in supporting holistic, sustainable social change. Informed by the expertise of over 50 movement leaders and funders, it offers practical guidance on how to fund feminist movements and illustrates their potential with real-world success stories. Yet, despite the tremendous possibility for impact, foundations and gender-focused international aid direct less than 1% of total giving to women’s rights organizations. The report also includes a call to action:

We urge philanthropy, individual philanthropists, and other funders to give at least an additional $1.5 billion annually to feminist movements, or $6 billion by 2026. Specifically, focus unrestricted, multiyear funding on feminist movements in the Global South and those led by women, girls, and nonbinary people from Black, Indigenous, and communities of color worldwide.

Author: Pamela Shifman, Swatee Deepak, Tynesha McHarris, and Anna Quinn of Shake the Table, and Nidhi Sahni, Debby Bielak, Stephanie Kater, and Jasmine Reliford of The Bridgespan Group

Published: May 2022

Published by: Bridgespan Group and Shake the Table

Download: ‘Lighting the way: A report for philanthropy on the power and promise of feminist movements‘