Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox: Protecting Civil Society by Funding Front-line Orgs
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Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox: Protecting Civil Society by Funding Front-line Orgs
In this episode, Kristine Michie explores philanthropy's critical challenges with Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox from the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP). They expose systemic gaps in funding: climate funders over-indexing on big orgs and tech solutions, foundations retreating from 2020 commitments, and the chronic under-resourcing of frontline organizations. For funders, nonprofit leaders, and movement builders, this conversation offers a powerful blueprint for more accountable, courageous philanthropic practice rooted in moral imagination.
Key Takeaways:
Funders must restructure decision-making bodies to include people from the communities most affected by the issues at hand.
Frontline climate justice organizations require long-term, flexible funding—short bursts of crisis giving are insufficient.
The 5% annual payout requirement should be treated as a baseline, not a ceiling—especially during social and environmental emergencies. Like now!
Mission-aligned investing is crucial: Foundations cannot claim to support climate justice, for example, while investing in fossil fuel companies.
NCRP’s Power Moves toolkit offers a practical, equity-centered self-assessment for funders to evaluate how they build, share, and wield power.
Silence from funders in politically hostile times weakens civil society—foundations must publicly support their grantees under attack.
Embedding joy, play, and community care into organizational culture is essential for sustaining activism and leadership through adversity.
"[If funders are waiting for a rainy day] The rainy day here, and it’s a hurricane. The urgency is now increased; increase your payout even more and get that money out the door." — Senowa Mize-Fox
"An endowed private foundation has no natural predators. No one can put it out of business... They're not accountable to voters, consumers who buy their products, or a stock market." — Aaron Dorfman
"If you’re investing in things detrimental to the communities you purport to serve with your grant-making dollars, then you're not actually supporting those communities—and that cancels each other out... we’re finding that more than you'd think." — Senowa Mize-Fox
More about Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox:
About Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox:
Aaron is the president and CEO of NCRP, which advocates for grantmakers to be responsive to those with the least wealth and power. He frequently speaks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and the need for accountability in philanthropy. Before joining NCRP in 2007, Dorfman spent 15 years as a community organizer. He holds degrees from Carleton College and Indiana University and serves on multiple boards.
Senowa is a racial and climate justice activist in Baltimore, MD, focusing on neighborhood mutual aid and community solidarity. She holds degrees in Natural Resources Planning and International Sustainable Development. Senowa works at the Climate Justice Alliance and enjoys hiking, swimming, and dancing to early 2000s pop music. She lives with three cats and many houseplants.
Connect with Aaron and Senowa:
Website: https://ncrp.org/
Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-dorfman/
Senowa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senowa-mize-fox/
Connect with Kristine:
Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfull_inc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/
Sources from this episode:
Power Moves Toolkit: https://ncrp.org/power-moves/
Just Returns Brief: https://ncrp.org/resources/just-returns-clean-investments-impact/
NRCP Climate Justice: https://ncrp.org/climate-justice
Imagination: A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin: https://www.ruhabenjamin.com/imagination-a-manifesto
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