Our Mission

The Funding Exchange is a growing network of 16 public foundations and a national office that together grant nearly $15 million annually to grassroots organizations working for social, racial, economic and environmental justice around the country.  We are committed to the eradication of all social injustices.  Through our innovative, activist-led grantmaking strategies, we support the systemic change work of both experienced and developing grassroots organizations within the broad movement for social justice.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

It is with great excitement that the Funding Exchange announces the hiring of our new Executive Director, Barbara Heisler. She is the founder of Integral, Inc., a community capacity building organization and the former executive director of Fund for an OPEN Society.

Barbara is also the founding Executive Director of the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race and has served as a Regional Director in the United States Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and received her master's degree from Cambridge College.

Over the last ten years, the Funding Exchange engaged in a long-term strategic planning process, established a governance Board, and developed a thoughtful articulation of values. With ever-broadening circles of constituents, we are building a new vision. The next step is for insightful executive leadership and an inclusive team of board, member funds, staff and allies to take action.

Barbara Heisler's work in the nonprofit and public sectors extends beyond that of a social justice executive and into the roles of activist and practitioner. An optimist at her core, Barbara believes that in working together - through research, vigorous discussion, advocacy, and action - we can make a difference. These core values guide her own work, in support of our mutual goals for the Funding Exchange.

While conducting our E.D. search, we were impressed by Barbara's reputation both nationally and in the community around race relations, women's rights, and education. Known for building dialogue on difficult issues, Barbara brings with her to the Funding Exchange innovation and an ability to get things done. 

Together with the leadership of our Network, partners and donors, Barbara will work to ensure that the Funding Exchange is a model for effective philanthropy that is both influential across a spectrum of opinions and seen as a sound, critical-thinking funder.

Barbara told the Board of Directors, "I will ensure that the Funding Exchange is seated and playing at the right tables to accomplish its goals. We need to be bold, innovative and collaborative -encouraging opportunities to work with unexpected partners, welcoming skeptical views, and valuing vigorous, informed, civil debate."

Please join the Funding Exchange in welcoming Barbara Heisler to the community of social justice philanthropy and offer your support as she leads us into a bright and steady future.

The Media Justice Fund of the Funding Exchange: Final Report

"Very often, it is the new, different ideas that percolate up from small fledgling, relatively unknown grassroots groups that manage to outperform and outshine the conventional wisdom or longstanding tried-and-true, traditional program appraoches of more established organiztions.  Funding that addresses opportunities and helps us to look into the future, rather than remaining stuck in the past or present.  This is particularly true when it comes to encouraging new and diverse voices in the media justice and reform movement" (Anonymous, Media Justice Fund Grantee)

Please click here to view the full report

Small Axe Fund Report

Through the generosity, and at the initiative, of a donor to the Funding Exchange, we had a unique opportunity to fund and document some of the racial justice work being supported by FEX Member Funds

$96,000 was awarded to grantees of FEX Member Funds and the National Office.

Please click here to view the report