Stewarding a Giving Relationship: A Spectrum of Possibility

This is a 3-part series on stewarding a giving relationship between donors and cultural organizers. This blog series is co-created by myself and the brilliant cultural organizer Monét Noelle Marshall.

This series came ahead of An Exploration of Southern Cultural Organizing on April 16, 2024. During this participatory event we expanded our collective understanding of cultural organizing through conversation with Triangle NC-based artists and cultural organizers Derrick Beasley, Mike Williams, and Omisade Burney-Scott. There were opportunities to connect and engage with other donors, funders, and cultural organizers, and explore how to engage in a giving relationship to support this transformational work.

Part 1: Stewarding a Giving Relationship

So you’re thinking about starting a giving relationship? Fantastic! Before you rush to your local coffee shop already planning how you will use or give a donation, let’s slow down and really think about how to steward this relationship. What would a successful relationship between a Cultural Organizer and Donor look like and what questions should you be asking before accepting or giving financial resources?

In this two-way relationship, we like to think of the Cultural Organizer as the Guiding Agency and the Donor as the Supporting Agency. This relationship is like Geese flying in a flock: The Cultural Organizer guides the flock, with the other birds (Donors) creating the rest of the formation. As each bird in the flock flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following, allowing the full formation to travel more easily with the shared momentum. We’re after this shared momentum and ease in a giving relationship!

How do you get to that shared momentum, generative relationship? The first and most important question that both parties should ask themselves  is “How is the donor navigating their power”? Does the donor have an analysis about how their access to wealth and resources impacts the relationship and is that a conversation that is possible between you? How are they dismantling the power differences that have traditionally defined giving relationships? This conversation can determine the depth and dynamics of the relationship. 

This may seem daunting to ascertain as you sip your oat milk latte but this is really a question about values. Some questions that could facilitate a conversation about power include “what do you most want your resources to do?”, “how are you of service or in community beyond financial resources?” “what long term impact do you hope to have?” These are a few questions that can illustrate someone’s values regarding power.

The great news, well-stewarded giving relationships are possible! They require asking questions that allow both the Cultural Organizer and Donor to honestly name their needs and capacity for this relationship. Specifically, we encourage folks to explore the Spectrums of Resources and Relationships to define the depth and dynamics of the relationship.

Part 2: A Spectrum of Resources

Explore the Spectrum of Resources and the questions Cultural Organizers and Donors may want to ask themselves and each other in Part 2 HERE.

Part 3: Spectrum of Relationships

In addition to money, a Giving Relationship relies on establishing and stewarding a relationship, which is honestly a super power of Cultural Organizers! Learn more in Part 3 HERE.