Proximate Philanthropy

Racial capitalism infographic

Proximate Philanthropy is an approach to giving that shifts decision‑making power to people with lived and earned experience. It moves philanthropy beyond traditional funder‑grantee relationships toward partnerships built on trust, transparency, shared responsibility, and co‑creation.

ReWork the Bay demonstrates the power of Proximate Philanthropy through practice, with a focus on advancing economic security in the Bay Area. More than just an idea, Proximate Philanthropy permeates our strategy, our grantmaking, and our partner selection. For example, our Equity at Work Council, made up of worker organizing, worker training and education, and small business development, determines our funding strategy and oversees implementation of that strategy including approving grants we make from ReWork the Bay’s pooled fund. By centering people with lived and earned experience in decision‑making, our approach shows how shifting philanthropic power can lead to more effective, equitable solutions.
 
Select a tile below to learn more about how each group contributes to ReWork the Bay’s impact. 

Equity at Work Council

Equity at Work Council

Develops ReWork the Bay’s strategy and advises on implementation, provides budget accountability, approves grants made from ReWork’s pooled fund, and collaborates across sectors to develop new solutions.
Learn more

ReWork the Bay Staff

ReWork the Bay Staff

Develop, refine and grow the Proximate Philanthropy model, implement the Equity at Work Council’s vision and strategy, convene funders and other stakeholders, and amplify the work and impact of ReWork the Bay.
Learn more

ReWork Funders

ReWork Funders

Support pooled grantmaking fund and operating costs, explore new community-centered grantmaking approaches with support from ReWork the Bay, build community with Equity at Work Council and other ReWork funders
Learn more

Hear directly from our partners and funders: