In the world of philanthropy, the ending or termination of a grant contract with a grantee partner often reverberates far beyond the immediate financial impact. Whether driven by the conclusion of a funding cycle, operational changes or shifts in strategic priorities, the loss of a funding relationship, even an anticipated one, can inadvertently destabilize the very movements funders aim to uplift. Alternative resources and support, especially in the funding environment today, are often hard to come by, especially for feminist, women’s and LGBTIQ+ rights as funding priorities change. FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund has crafted a transition strategy that aims to mitigate against this by being responsive to grantee partners’ unique journeys and quests for sustainability.
At the heart of FRIDA’s approach to resourcing and supporting grantee partners is the belief in the transformative power of young feminist movements. Through our political commitment to resourcing young feminist groups for between three to five years, FRIDA aims to provide groups with the stability and resources necessary to plan for multiple years, build strong networks, secure alternative funding and establish a sustainable ecosystem. This core, flexible, multi-year funding is a cornerstone of FRIDA’s mission, recognizing that real change takes time and sustained effort and supports a thriving young feminist movement ecosystem globally.
The journey for a FRIDA grantee partner begins with a participatory grantmaking process, which includes peer assessments and priority-setting. This participatory approach not only ensures that funding decisions are made by those who understand the needs and challenges of the movements best, but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support among prospective grantees.
Throughout their time with FRIDA, grantee partners are supported by focal points, FRIDA staff members who are assigned to grantee partners from the same regions to accompany their journey for both administrative and operation matters as well as more political matters like conflict restoration, crisis response, holistic security and strategic connections and capacity-strengthening support. This form of accompaniment is not just about financial support; it is about recognizing the transformative power of the young feminists we support and connecting them to resources that will enable them to leverage their power to address some of the foremost challenges of our time. FRIDA is continuously working toward ensuring that grantee partners are well equipped to continue and sustain their work by the time they reach the transition phase.
Recognizing the potential pitfalls of ending funding relationships abruptly, FRIDA has designed a comprehensive transition process that honors the autonomy and agency of our grantee partners. This process includes the provision of transition grants — extra-flexible funds to resource grantee partners’ self-defined sustainability journeys that they are not required to report on. These grants, which can be as much as $15,000, have been used by groups to secure physical working and organizing spaces, cover operational costs and develop strategic plans or fundraising campaigns for their sustainability. Since 2020, FRIDA has disbursed 106 transition grants, totalling $1,433,700, invested in the sustainability of young feminist movements globally.
The impact of these transition grants is profound. However, financial support is only part of the picture envisioned in FRIDA’s transition strategy. A commitment to care means providing not only financial resources, but also moral and strategic accompaniment. When a funder decides to end a relationship with a grantee partner, it is essential to facilitate pathways for transitioning grantee partners to access further resources. FRIDA is achieving this through proactive planning and collaboration with other funders not only within the feminist philanthropic space but also with funders across the intersectional issue areas FRIDA supports.
Instead of abrupt terminations of funding and accompaniment, FRIDA engages in dialogue with its grantees to understand their needs and connects them with alternative sources of support. By establishing referral mechanisms and fostering partnerships with other donors, FRIDA can contribute to a safety net that helps its grantee partners navigate the transition smoothly while supporting the strengthening of the feminist philanthropic networks globally and regionally.
Additional accompaniment envisioned in FRIDA’s transition strategy includes offering capacity-strengthening opportunities, facilitating networks of solidarity between grantees, and ensuring that grantees have access to the knowledge and tools they need to thrive independently. This also includes initiatives like transition “buddies,” which pairs groups at similar stages of their FRIDA journey who have similar ideas for sustainability with consultants of their choice. These programs ensure that FRIDA’s grantees are not left to navigate the complex philanthropic landscape alone, but are supported by a network of peers and experts.
The transition process at FRIDA has also featured online convenings that serve multiple purposes: facilitating donor-activist engagements, promoting regional peer exchanges and horizontal learning, and celebrating the achievements of grantee partners. By honoring the journeys of transitioning young feminist collectives, FRIDA not only reinforces their sense of accomplishment but also strengthens the broader movement.
Finally, transitioning grantee partners are invited to join the continuously growing community of FRIDA Alumni that strives to nourish solidarity networks and connections that fertilize the young feminist ecosystem’s sustainability. It is the hope that the Alumni community can continue to feed into intergenerational knowledge and bridge-building, creating wider intergenerational alliances with elder sibling funds to deepen solidarity, referral collaborations and chained funding.
FRIDA’s transition strategy is a testament to our commitment to the long-term success of our grantee partners, and to the sustainability and thriving of young feminist movements. By providing a carefully structured exit plan that includes both financial and nonfinancial support, FRIDA ensures that these groups are not only sustained but continue to thrive and grow. As stewards of significant resources and influence, funders have a responsibility to support the longevity and vitality of the movements driving social justice. FRIDA’s approach deepens a much-needed standard in philanthropy, one that prioritizes the strengthening and sustainability of movements and the autonomy of those leading them.
Davina Rojas is Senior Programme Officer at FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund. Mayra Zamaniego and Sandile Ndelu were Senior Programme Officer, and Communications and Advocacy Co-Manager, respectively, but have since transitioned out of the fund.
