I2I’s H2H: Philanthrocapitalism + Breathwork + Fundraiser for Reproductive Justice
Hey there,
Welcome to Intention 2 Impact (I2I’s) Heart 2 Heart (H2H) newsletter - where we share what’s on our minds, in our hearts, and up-our-sleeves. This is an archived newsletter from September 2022. Want to read the newsletter in real time? Click here to subscribe!
On Our Minds
So, what’s the tea with philanthrocapitalism? ☕️
Y’all ever grapple with 50 shades of gray-space? 😬 You know, that uncomfortable space between two competing ideas…
Recently, we have been wrestling with “philanthrocapitalism” - the idea that philanthropy (i.e., generous donations for the welfare of others) is fueled by capitalist, market-based, for-profit approaches to solving global issues. As with all things, there are both merits and drawbacks to this phenomena.
First, gimme the good. ✨
On the bright side, philanthrocapitalism has a growing track record of providing an influx of stable funding and resources – at critical moments (cough 2020 cough) – to assist communities in dire need. We’ve seen it in action. I2I is currently working with a prominent foundation on an evaluation of their social bond, a market-based financial tool to unlock an unprecedented amount of funding without denting the corpus.
Alright, what’s kinda sketch… 🧐
On the flip side, critics are suspicious of the unchecked agenda-setting powers and political influence. Should the “super elite” really be “arbitrators of good” when many of these billionaires are also the source of the very issues they are attempting to eradicate? Opponents suggest that instead of giving back some of their wealth through their investment in their own foundations, the ultra wealthy should rather pay their fair share in taxes to allow the public sector to more fully act on these issues.
Our two cents ✌🏾
At I2I, we believe two competing ideas can be true. We partner with philanthropic foundations to ask hard questions of their outsized power (and privilege), learn from failures (and successes), and commit to serving with transparency and equity. The tensions of philanthrocapitalism can result in some generative friction - assuming you’re asking the right questions about intentions + impact. (Ahem... see what we did there? 😉)
Speaking of impact… we are blown away by Patagonia’s announcement to turn capitalism upside down by transferring its ownership to a philanthropic trust. Is this the future of philanthrocapitalism? Which corporate foundation is next? We’re watching and we’ll keep you posted. 👀
In Our Hearts
Breathwork
Since May 2020, I2I partners, Kathleen & Nina, have regularly participated in a breathwork practice facilitated by our friend and colleague, Libby Smith. Honestly, who knows how we would handle the stress of the pandemic without this outlet. We wanted to take time to shout out Libby and provide an open invitation for others to check out this powerful practice. Maybe we’ll see you there!
Up Our Sleeves
Fundraiser for Reproductive Justice
Join us for I2I's 2nd annual Pay Her Forward Fundraiser - happy hour and professional headshots on November 9th from 5-7 pm at this year’s American Evaluation Association Conference in New Orleans, LA!
A suggested $30 donation includes a professional headshot taken by Jordan Helfer Photography and light refreshments with excellent company! 100% of proceeds will be donated to Women With a Vision - a NOLA-based organization committed to improving the lives of marginalized women, their families, and communities. Click here to sign up! Address & more info will be emailed closer to the date.
In light of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and Louisiana’s trigger laws banning abortion access, we are proud to support Women With a Vision in their fight for bodily autonomy and ultimate liberation of Black women and birthing people, poor folks, and the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about them here.
Onward and upward, y’all!
You know, heart-2-hearts are supposed to be a 2-way street…
So comment below, what’s on your mind, in your heart, and up your sleeve? Hopefully a lil’ bit of good trouble. 😉
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
Until next time,
Intention 2 Impact
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