By Invitation Only: Is Philanthropy Fueling Inequity?
Fayruz Benyousef, CFRE - Fayruz Benyousef Consulting
Who is in the driver seat among nonprofit organizations with the largest budgets? How about on the giving side (institutional funders, corporate and even individuals)? Is our entire structure of how philanthropy works flawed because the decision makers are not diverse and representative of those whom they are serving? Most of the time, those who are classified as ""rich"" are in the driver seat. They are the ones who determine where the money goes and how it is spent for those who are marginalized and underserved. An increase in philanthropy year after year should mean that we are also seeing inequality on the decrease. But we are not. So how can we foster equity and justice through the practice of philanthropy?We will explore a challenging question: How has the value of philanthropy or ""loving humankind"" become monetized and turned into a fuel for the fires of injustice? This session seeks to awaken us to think critically about the way we do business as fundraisers and donors. Through an enlightened approach to how we raise and give money we can directly challenge systemic inequities. If we practice philanthropy differently, perhaps we can increase social capital and trust by putting diverse groups in touch with one another to uphold equity and justice. Isn't that what the end game of philanthropy is meant to do?
Return to main conference page
Fayruz Benyousef, CFRE - Fayruz Benyousef Consulting
Fayruz Benyousef is Founder and Principal of Fayruz Benyousef Consulting (known as FBC). She is passionate about the vital space philanthropic organizations hold in all communities and has made it her mission to support these organizations and their leadership, both professionally and personally. As a seasoned certified fundraising professional and woman of color that has lived on two disparate continents, she leverages her 26+ years of experience to help implement transformational change and sustainable infrastructure in a variety of organizations in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. Known for her extraordinary method of solutions based problem-solving and strategic thinking; she is called to serve as a philanthropy advisor committed to the success of noble missions and the people who are leading them. Fayruz’s professional expertise areas include vision planning and facilitation, organizational development, major gift philanthropy, capital campaign strategy and execution, and leadership development. She is devoted to servant leadership and has been a two-time AFP Austin President and currently serves on the Boards of The Texas Lyceum, AARO, The Leukemia Lymphoma Society and ConnectHER. Fayruz is a frequently sought-after keynote, presenter and coach at regional and national educational seminars on social sector management and fundraising topics. She is a two-time cancer survivor and working on her first book that will chronicle her experiences as a Libyan expat surviving two conditions: forced cultural assimilation and cancer.
Return to main conference page
