The Regeneration Will Be Funded Cultivating Trust in Philanthropy - Faith Flanigan & Ruth Andrade (Regenerosity)
Nov 17, 2025
Faith Flanigan, Executive Director of Regenerosity, and Ruth Andrade, Environmental Partner at Lush Cosmetics, delve into the transformative power of philanthropy. They discuss the innovative Regenerosity model, which connects grassroots groups with funding while emphasizing community-led stewardship. Key issues include the importance of trust in philanthropy, the challenges of participatory grantmaking, and the necessity of aligning funding with local knowledge and justice. Their insights challenge traditional funding practices, advocating for reparations and sovereignty in conservation.
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Trust Is The Hidden Constraint
- Lack of trust in philanthropy blocks faster, larger funding flows to grassroots leaders.
- Collaborations, pooled funds, and flow funding center leaders and redistribute governance toward communities.
Use Peer Influence To Mobilize Funders
- Invite progressive funders to co-create pooled or flow funds so others can join with less risk.
- Use peer-to-peer influence to normalize sharing governance and reduce individual funder fear.
Separate Money From Relational Role
- Separate relational support from large asset transfers so funders can remain advisors not controllers.
- Build bridges: provide accompaniment, learning, and capacity while transferring ownership of capital or land.