Soapbox Inc

Recap of Feminist Philanthropy—the Perspective of Donors

We met at the Jewish Community Center for a lunch hosted by Sherri Sandler. The panel was Sherri Sandler, Anne Delaney, and Nancy Meyer. Each panelist talked a bit about how she came to giving, her family background, and her philosophy as a funder. Sherri Sandler defined feminism as “knowing what you want and asking for it.” Elona asked for advice as to how best to give, especially if you have less money, (i.e. under $30,000 per year in income). Nancy Meyer suggested asking two questions: “What can I afford to give this year?” and “What is bugging me most?” Anne Delaney underscored that the main reason she gives is that she is asked and even if she doesn’t have a particular passion for the work she is asked to fund, she will give a little and is happy to be exposed to the issue or work. They all referred to the consultant Tracy Gary, author of Inspired Legacies, as being particularly attuned to the concept of feminist philanthropy.

Recap of Third Wave Foundation

Melissa and Sheena of the Third Wave Foundation described its mission—a national regranting organization to support the social justice work of young feminist and trans activists age 15-30.  They took us through an exercise in making direct grants from the emergency abortion fund in which participants had $300 with which to make one or two grants, choosing among three emergency situations, which is something Third Wave staffers must do on a near daily basis.

Recap of Networking Party

We had fun at the Bubble Lounge and were joined by Kathleen Hanna (Le Tigre, Bikini Kill, riot grrl instigator), Molly Neuman (bratmobile, The Peechees, The Frumpies, riot grrl instigator), Vinnie Angel (Vinnie’s Tampon Case), Meredith Villano (Paradigm Shift), Shelby Knox, Gloria Jacobs and Jeanann Panasch (The Feminist Press), and others.