How Philanthropy Shows Up When the World Feels Heavy

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how philanthropy shows up when the world feels heavy. And right now, it does feel heavy—economically, socially, politically. The headlines are overwhelming. The challenges feel layered, complex, and interconnected. Some days it’s hard not to feel like the tides are against us.

But even in the midst of that weight, I’ve been reminded of something powerful: generosity doesn’t disappear in hard times. In fact, it often shows up stronger. Philanthropy—at its best—isn’t just about writing cheques or responding to crisis. It’s about enabling others, shifting power, and addressing the root causes of the challenges we face.

That message came through loud and clear in a report I revisited this week: Transforming Philanthropy by WINGS. It explores the idea of a global polycrisis—an overwhelming, overlapping set of global issues—and asks how philanthropy can respond with boldness, trust, and transparency.

It struck a chord. Because the truth is, incremental change isn’t enough anymore. We need philanthropy that’s courageous. That’s not afraid to take risks. That funds systems change. That empowers those closest to the problem.

I’ve seen this kind of philanthropy in my work—when funders trust organizations to lead the way, when community voices are not only heard but centered, when giving is about partnership rather than control. I’ve seen it in my own giving too, when I’ve made intentional decisions to support organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities and doing the slow, unglamorous work of transformation.

This week, I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve shown up—professionally and personally—and how I want to do more. I’ve asked myself:

Am I encouraging boldness in my clients’ strategies?

Am I walking the talk in my own giving?

Am I using my voice and position to challenge the status quo?

Philanthropy isn’t perfect. But it holds incredible potential. And right now, we need that potential more than ever—not just for relief, but for reimagining.

Let’s not just respond to the world’s weight. Let’s help lift it.

Let’s take philanthropy where it’s meant to go: toward justice, equity, and lasting change.

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Want to talk about how your organization can lead boldly in this moment? I’d love to hear from you.