the way we work
it’s time to address power and inequality in funding
We build on the work of The Trust Based Philanthropy Project and our many foundation peers who have been applying this model in recent years. This approach enables us to do our work with respect and humility.
“Recognising the inherent power imbalance between foundations and nonprofits, we believe philanthropy will be more successful, rewarding, and effective if funders approach their grantee relationships from a place of trust, humility and transparency.”
we commit to supporting an independent civil society
We passionately believe that an independent Civil Society sector is core to a vibrant democracy. Civil Society holds traditional power structures to account, ensuring equality is embedded in society.
Our experience has shown us that civil society needs greater resourcing so that organisations can work together to defend and advance people’s rights.
“If space exists for civil society to engage, there is a greater likelihood that all rights will be better protected. Conversely, the closing of civil society space, and threats and reprisals against civil society activists, are early warning signs of instability. Over time, policies that delegitimise, isolate and repress people calling for different approaches or legitimately claiming their rights can exacerbate frustrations and lead to instability or even conflict.”
- CSO Open Letter to Member States of the UN Human Rights Council 2016
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‘Civil Society’ refers to the collective of community groups, labour unions, minority rights groups, anti-poverty groups, non-governmental and charitable organisations. It is also referred to as ‘the third sector’ (alongside government and commerce). Civil Society is a space where people can express their fundamental human rights and have these acted upon by their organisations, who work to have their member’s rights realised. Civil Society can be characterised by its attempt to realise public benefit and promote social justice and common good.
For more information please see Civil Society - The United Nations
systems,
culture,
communities
Our job is to support and partner with Civil Society organisations that work towards creating a just society for minority communities and communities who have been marginalised.
we support work in three areas
just systems
Work towards social and political systems which are accessible to all and which protect the rights of all people.
a culture of equality
Work to embed equality across our cultures. This includes Cultural Activism where the voices of people who have been pushed to the margins are amplified so that their visions and voices are seen and heard.
self organised communities
Work to ensure that minority communities and those pushed to the margins have spaces to self-organise, to define their issues and to have access to centres of power where they can seek and ultimately achieve equal rights.
Due to our approach to grant making, whereby we develop deep relationships with our grant partners, and due to our small staff team - grant proposals are accepted by invitation only.
“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”
— James Baldwin
The Rowan Foundation, doing business as The Rowan Trust, is a charitable private foundation with 501(c)(3) status, registered in the United States of America.
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