My father started a computer software company around the time I was born that grew for several years. The company was sold when I was in my early 20's, and I inherited money after that.
During this time I was working on economic justice issues, and wanted to give to groups addressing inequality in this country and in Africa. But I questioned why just because I had inherited this money I should get to decide where it goes. I learned about activist-led funds that involve community leaders in directing money toward social and economic justice movements and I began giving to these organizations. They addressed one of my biggest concerns about philanthropy: that the power to give should actually rest with the people who have the most experience instead of the people with the most money.
So far, I've given away over half the money I've inherited to activist led-funds, and I'm committed to giving away the majority of any other money I receive to these groups in the form of principal.
| Northeast | 18 to 39 Years Old | Under $1M | at least 50% | Inheritance |
| Social Justice | Fairness | Posted on August 8th by Kammy Young
Dear Alison,
I have had the same conviction as you that, "the power to give should actually rest with the people who have the most experience instead of the people with the most money."
I would really appreciate which activist-led funds you have discovered and with whom you are especially impressed. I'm interested because of my personal desire to expand my family's giving in ways we've already begun, but also because I serve a large congregation as their leader for Spirituality & Justice and would like to know more resources to share with them.
Thank you! The Rev. Kammy Young |