Philanthropy NY and Listen4Good: Centering Community Voice in Grantmaking
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
Rachel Pardoe, Program Director, Programs and Grants, The New York Community Trust
Robin Meneguzzo, Chief Executive Officer, Keweenaw Community Foundation
Valerie Threlfall, Executive Director, Listen4Good
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.
Event Co-sponsored by