Understanding the effects of trauma on children and adults and providing long-term support can address social inequities and lead to systemic change, that’s according to a new report: Trauma-Informed Philanthropy 2.

The guide, produced by Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia, the Scattergood Foundation and United Way Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, explores how trauma affects all socioeconomic groups, can be felt from one generation to the next and how it leads to health and social inequities. The report provides insights as to how funders can use a trauma-informed lens to provide support to grantees and inform and leverage their grantmaking.

“A trauma lens is instructive for grants to any type of social program and does not require a separate, new funding priority. Ideally, philanthropy would support programs in all sectors that promote healing and resilience,” the report states.

How is trauma-informed grantmaking put into practice? As the report shares, there’s no prescriptive road map as this approach will look different for every organization.

Here are a few highlights of how different organizations (that could be similar to grantees you’re working with) are leveraging the approach:

• A health services center incorporated community engagement in every level of service planning and delivery, allowing the center to deliver services that directly respond to the community’s identified needs. Through partnerships and collaboration, the center identified issues within the community such as depression and hypertension they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

• An alternative education center’s trauma-informed approach led them to implement designated sensory areas and tools in their schools to provide students who may be struggling, places to decompress and relax before returning to class. The center also provides drug and alcohol counseling services.

• Community organizations, supported by foundations, are using a trauma-informed lens to collaborate and co-design community development and community engagement strategies to “build social cohesion” for underserved neighborhoods.

The report points to cross-sector collaboration and partnerships as key anchors for success in many of the stories highlighted.

The role of funders:

• For funders, the report notes funding for infrastructure “to convene and coordinate cross-sector work is a key area where foundations can leverage impact.”

• Grantmakers can serve as conveners, encourage grantees to use trauma-informed practices and educate policy makers and others.

• Funders can help build the capacity of the field by providing resources for evaluation and expertise for grantees around measuring outcomes.

When it comes to grantmaking, the report outlines recommendations that can serve as key principles:

• Careful consideration of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in internal practices such as hiring for your foundation and selecting grantees and partners.

• Connect with community voices and gather on-the-ground perspectives.

• Explore emerging practices that may be modeled or scaled to address inequities.

• Be flexible and responsive. Grant cycles can be limiting for funders to respond to crises or react quickly. Consider discretionary grants as they can help communities be responsive to specific needs.

In Michigan, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has been working deeply in the areas of education and health to mitigate the effects of lead poisoning on Flint’s children. For instance, the YouthQuest after school program, funded by Mott, connects families with information and services and provides staff who are helping to identify possible health, development and behavioral issues related to lead exposure and more.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation’s Opening Minds Ending Stigma campaign, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), provides videos, articles and resources to raise awareness about mental illness and the effects it can have on people of all ages.

Want more?

Read the full report: Trauma-Informed Philanthropy 2. If you’re a CMF member and would like a hard copy of the report, you can contact Theresa Jackson, director of learning and knowledge management at the Greater Philanthropy Network Philadelphia and receive a copy free of charge.