With strings attached: Philanthropic funding and greater inclusiveness

Support for this research was provided by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado and by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado or the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

This manuscript is a revised version of a manuscript presented at the Western Social Science Association, Reno, NV, April 2010.

Abstract

A dominant theme of the philanthropy research literature is conservative funder influence on social movements. In this paper we look at a “reverse” case, focusing on a philanthropic funder using financial clout to move non-profit organizations in a more liberal direction. We interviewed a random sample of 48 executive directors from the 634 non-profit organizations that were funded recently by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado (GLFC). GLFC required grantees to change personnel policies toward greater inclusiveness and to publicly acknowledge GLFC funding. Directors responded to interview questions on reactions to sponsorship and changes in diversity and inclusivity. Results show retaliation, a serious form of resistance or pushback, was rare and is more common from external sources, especially donors, than internal sources (e.g. staff; p < .05). Because some organizations are diverse prior to grant application, further increases in organizational personnel diversity and constituent outreach are difficult. Therefore, the efficacy of attaching strings to funding was mixed.

Notes

This manuscript is a revised version of a manuscript presented at the Western Social Science Association, Reno, NV, April 2010.

Support for this research was provided by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado and by the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado or the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.