ACCESS STRATEGIES FUND
WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE DO
Access Strategies is committed to working towards a just world where our governing institutions and systems are representative and accountable, and our economic systems are rooted in solidarity, cooperation and the well-being of the planet and its people.
We move in deep collaboration with several grassroots partners and other funders by offering technical and funding assistance as needed. Our three main strategic, programmatic areas are: Civic Engagement, Women’s Public Leadership program, and The Solidarity Economy Initiative.
HOW WE SUPPORT
Access Strategies Fund recognizes that our role as a foundation in the nonprofit ecosystem gives our organization space to be in deep connection with other foundations. We do this by collectivising resources while analyzing and shifting from transactional to transformative practices, and experimenting with new processes and ways of being. This also includes building authentic relationships with movement leaders while intentionally taking into consideration power dynamics and other systems of oppression.
Access Strategies Fund leverages our connections, and works closely with community leaders, to co-create spaces where organizers can dream and build new futures together. In this process, we offer healing workshops for Black, Indigenous, women, genderqueer, nonbinary people of color and funding support to system-changing, frontline, poc-led nonprofits and coalitions.
VALUES WE BRING TO FUNDING AND PROGRAMMATIC WORK
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1
Invest in leadership by individuals who emerge from structurally excluded communities
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Support risk takers who champion issues that few will take on
3
Utilize civic engagement tools
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Embrace, facilitate and model collaboration to build an effective progressive movement
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Identify, challenge and change the institutions, systems, and cultural norms that dehumanize any person or group of persons
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Centering communities most marginalized by systems of oppressions
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Support collective power and solidarity among communities
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Critical analysis and understanding of how systems of oppression harm our communities
FRAMEWORKS THAT INCORPORATE OUR VALUES
Resonance Framework: Spectrum of Extractive to Restorative to Regenerative Philanthropy
by the Justice Funders
Emergent Strategies
by Adrienne Maree Brown
PRACTICES THAT INCORPORATE OUR VALUES
Connector of resources and communities in ways that build deep relationship; moves beyond transactional level of engagement
OUR VISION AROUND PHILANTHROPY
Access Strategies Fund plays an important role in organizing donors and funders to support frontline, movement leaders and organizations. We believe that if we continue to build and deepen relationships with funders, donors, movement builders, and organizers, then we will move philanthropy to shift power and wealth to communities most marginalized by systems and institutions. Our Theory of Change guides us to do collaborative work, centering frontline communities, and moving philanthropy to support organizers on the ground who are creating a liberated world for all.