FUNDER SAFEGUARDING
IS AN INITIATIVE OF
FADICA believes that philanthropy must boldly proclaim the priority of safeguarding.
By working together, funders and grantee partners can educate their communities, normalize safeguarding best practices, and change organizational culture.
Funders can provide access to critical resources, walk alongside partners in building capacity, and help normalize safeguarding expectations, so that asking for a safeguarding policy becomes as normal as asking for a financial audit. Safeguarding collaboration between funders and grantee partners is not only an expression of shared values, but also an opportunity for long-term impact that drives culture change and sustains safe environments.
How can funders lead the effort to normalize safeguarding practices and expectations?
Here are some actions to consider:
Show commitment
to safeguarding through
learning and active
engagement in
safeguarding
practices.
Seek to understand
the challenges that a grantee partner may face in implementing best practices for safeguarding.
Share resources
that grantees critically need to build capacity for the development and
management of
safeguarding practices.
What internal reflection is helpful as foundations and funders begin to formalize their safeguarding values?
Here are some criteria to consider:
Scope of Access
What positions or roles within the foundation (grants managers, administrators, board members, trustees, family members, etc.) directly interact with children or vulnerable adults?
Frequency and Location
How frequent are interactions with children/vulnerable adults, and where do these interactions typically occur (e.g., site visits, fundraisers, networking events, community service opportunities, immersion experiences, etc.)?
Power Dynamics
Does the foundation address power imbalances between funder and partner? Do certain roles come with power (institutional, financial) that could be leveraged over vulnerable persons or within/over a community?
Partner Accompaniment
What does a common language for safeguarding communicate about a foundation’s values? How does formalizing your safeguarding approach enhance communication and trust within the funder/partner relationship?
This 4-page guide is designed to help funders support safe environments and communicate with grantee partners about safeguarding practices.
A 5-part video series designed to guide learning and discussion for funders interested in exploring how to strengthen their commitment toward supporting safe communities for all vulnerable people through partnerships with grantee organizations.
Available in English and Spanish