Philanthropy’s Role in Reparations: Building a Culture of Repair

The issue of reparations has recently gained considerable momentum. However, many define reparations narrowly — as cash payments, relegated to the public sector, and only benefitting Black people.

Liberation Ventures and The Bridgespan Group think differently. Reparations for slavery and its legacy are not just about money or policy; reparations are comprehensive repair and require shifting narratives and culture. Building a culture of repair across sectors benefits not just Black people, but catalyzes a true multiracial democracy — for all of us.

Philanthropy has a critical role to play in advancing this work. Foundations can try to repair their own history of disinvestment, extractive grantmaking, and wealth hoarding. Philanthropy is also uniquely positioned to resource the movement for reparations — so long as they adhere to the principles of trust, equity, and transformation that undergird repair.

In this session, we explore new research published by Liberation Ventures and The Bridgespan Group on philanthropy’s role in reparations, and invite participants to explore racial repair at multiple levels: interpersonally, institutionally, and in society writ large.