The second circle out is their community, however they describe it. The community changes because, first, the artist changes and they are part of their community, and second, because community members experience the art (i.e., the play, film, exhibition, performance, etc.) and are changed by that

Providing feedback to all applicants so decision-making is transparent Ensuring expansive outreach — stepping out into the neighborhood

Another foundation might not choose to take all of the actions that Leeway took for a variety of reasons, but in order to generate the same kind of impact in terms of shifting power to grantees, they do need to take action at all three levels of the organization.

KEY ELEMENTS OF HOW LEEWAY DOES ITS WORK

Building community

“So, it’s been really powerful for me to have a community that is just so multiple, so complex and such an ecosystem that is different creative mediums, different neighborhoods, different racial and ethnic groups, different generations.” (grantee)

Social change happens through building relationships — Leeway believes that building relationships and community are necessary to achieving social change, and that centering relationships is a way to amplify the impact of limited grantmaking resources. The organization sees it as a form of movement building. Leeway has built strong, vibrant relationships with artists and cultural producers, relationships that are binding and full of trust. “Radical hospitality” — Leeway takes care of people when they’re in Leeway spaces in a thoughtful way, purposefully offering comfort and sustenance so that artists and cultural producers feel valued and respected. “Local love” — Artists and cultural producers emphasize how unusual it is for them to have a local arts and social change funder that supports them in their own city and community compared to colleagues in other cities and regions. Leeway is well known, and loved, by grantees and partners — Artists and cultural producers feel a strong sense of connection to Leeway. It was striking how much grantees and partners knew about Leeway. They pay attention to Leeway, maybe because they feel paid attention to.

Shifting power to artists

Shifting power through grantmaking — Leeway’s grantmaking process disrupts the traditional power dynamic between a funder and grantee. It’s transparent and clear, which makes it easier for applicants to understand and navigate. Leeway is clear about what it’s looking for. Leeway’s staff don’t make grantmaking decisions; independent panels do. Flexibility — When it comes to the work the grantees do, Leeway is flexible and realistic about the unexpected twists and turns an Art and Change Grant project can take. Working at the margins — Leeway is committed to figuring out as an ongoing process what the new edge of art and social change work is, and who is now at the margins who can be invited into that work.