Rethinking Philanthropy: A Nexus of Systems Theory and Critical Pedagogy Towards Sustainable Equity for Districts.

• In Event: From Funding to Futures: How Philanthropy Constructs Educational Landscapes

Abstract

Educational philanthropy has often been positioned as a privileged mechanism to address inequities and level the playing field for Black and Brown students in public education. However, the unintended consequences of unsustained philanthropic efforts frequently result in fractured systems, short-lived outcomes, and school districts which are worse off once funding and top talent are withdrawn. This paper presents two case studies that examine the impact of an emergent, three-pronged approach by an educational philanthropic organization designed to disrupt that pattern by: (1) partnering with districts to build internal capacity over a sustained 7–10 year period; (2) cultivating and maintaining a durable coalition of parents and educators; and (3) co-creating inclusive, community-rooted systems designed for transformative and lasting change.

Author

• Nicole Williams Browning, California State University - East Bay