In this episode of Untapped Philanthropy, David Beckman, President of the Pisces Foundation, explores a critical question. Is environmental philanthropy focused on the right levers of change?
As a former environmental lawyer, Beckman reflects on his journey from water rights litigation to leading a foundation that pushes for greater influence and narrative change. “We're overbalanced on policy generation and under-focused on getting people really excited and with us,” he says.
Throughout the conversation, Beckman calls for a broader and more inclusive funding approach. “The sector concentrates 50 percent of funding into just 200 organizations out of more than 20,000,” he notes. Instead, he encourages funders to support a wider network of local and BIPOC-led groups through participatory grantmaking.
Beckman believes that social movements need the same level of technology and infrastructure that private sector entities use every day. “What we see is what’s funded,” he explains, underscoring the importance of investing in communications, analytics, and systems that make it easier for people to join the movement.
From climate despair to collective action, Beckman offers a hopeful and practical vision for changemakers and funders ready to do things differently.
Download the transcript here.
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