In a moment when trust in institutions is eroding and the call for equity is louder than ever, centering community voice is not just a value - it’s a necessity. Yet while many funders aspire to elevate community input, it’s not strategy that stands in the way - it’s culture.
According to CEP’s 2025 report on funder listening, most foundation leaders believe their work reflects a deep understanding of community needs. Yet nonprofits report that funders would be more effective if they deepened their connection to the communities they aim to serve. Given that 96% of funders say they rely on nonprofits to gather feedback from those they serve, understanding and supporting nonprofits’ listening practices is critical.
Join us for a 90-minute session to hear real-world examples for centering community voice in grantmaking practices and how this approach best supports the changes the sector is navigating.
What will I learn?
- Define best practices for centering community voice in grantmaking
- Identify how community listening can shape funder strategy and advocacy and support navigating change
- Identify frameworks for and how to apply practical tools to strengthen equity-centered listening
- Discuss shifting power through community feedback
Presenters
- [Irfan Hasan/Rachel Pardo, Vice President/Program Director], Programs and Grants, The New York Community Trust
- Sachi Takahashi-Rial, Director of Partner Services, Listen4Good
- List of Speaker in Formation
About Listen4Good: Listen4Good builds sector resilience by building nonprofits' and funders' muscles to learn from those they serve. Listen4Good supports grantees to gather actionable data and respond effectively to community needs–even as they evolve. Listen4Good also supports funders to convene participating nonprofit leaders and use community trends data to inform grantmaking. Listen4Good has been helping over 1,300 nonprofits gather and analyze meaningful feedback to stay relevant, responsive, and resilient for a decade.
Who should attend?
All interested funders in grantmaking or grantmaking-adjacent roles. What to expect: presentation, followed by panel, then breakouts.
Registration
3:00 PM-4:30 PM Program
Registration is required by October 6th.
Members: To register yourself and/or a colleague at your organization, please log in and click the Register Now link above (no fee).
Non-Member Funders: Create an account or log in above and click the Register Now link ($150 fee).
Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with any questions.