Many foundations are interested in participatory grantmaking, yet struggle to move beyond pilots or symbolic involvement. Focusing on Guiding Idea 3, „We think participatory“, of the Future-Proof Funding Initiative, this webinar asks the central question: what does it actually take, culturally, to make participatory grantmaking real in everyday foundation/grantmaking practice?

We look beyond tools and models and examine how power, organisational norms, and relationships with funding partners shape participation in practice. By unpacking common assumptions and sharing concrete experiences from foundations and public funders, the webinar offers practical insights into where participation succeeds, where it gets stuck, and why. We are delighted to welcome the following speakers to the webinar, who will share their experience and insights with us:

• Nadine Adamski (Project Manager, Medicor Foundation)
• Ivan March (Communications Director, Guerilla Foundation)
• Lisa Wiedemuth (CEO, Quartiermeister Stiftung)
• A member of the Future Council of the EWE Stiftung
• Moderated by Julia Oestreich (Organisational Development Consultant, Con·Sense)

Together, we will explore participatory grantmaking as a cultural practice rather than a technical solution. You will be invited to reflect on your own assumptions and organisational habits and to identify one concrete cultural shift that you can start experimenting with in your own grantmaking practice.

All members of SwissFoundations are warmly invited to participate. The invitation is open to foundation executives and staff, as well as members of foundation boards. The webinar will be held in English.

This SwissFoundations webinar is is part of the Future-Proof Funding Initiative and is designed and moderated by our partner ConSense.