Introduction

Leeway’s mission is to support “women and trans 1 artists and cultural producers working in communities at the intersection of art, culture and social change. Through their grantmaking and other programs, they promote artistic expression that amplifies the voices of those on the margins, promotes sustainable and healthy communities, and works in the service of movements for economic and social justice.” 2

In 2018, Leeway began an impact assessment process to learn more about the impact of their grants on artists and cultural producers in the wider Philadelphia area. Leeway and Dragonfly Partners together designed the impact assessment process as an action research project, with findings being brought regularly to staff and board members for their input. The Leeway board’s impact assessment working group led the process. (For information on the methodology, see p. 56.)

This report is divided into three main sections:

First, it describes a set of things you need to know about why and how Leeway does its work. The impact assessment process drew out and defined in more detail the key elements of Leeway’s history and process, well known to staff, the board, grantees and partners, but not yet fully articulated as a grantmaking model or approach. Second, it describes the impact Leeway has had on grantees, on the ecosystem of artists and cultural producers working on social change in the wider Philadelphia area, and on local and national partners working in the field of art and social change. Third, it outlines challenges and opportunities offered up by grantees and partners for Leeway to explore going forward. This section includes a series of questions we recommend that Leeway explore in their forthcoming strategic planning process.

Leeway Foundation community meeting participants at the Fleisher Art Memorial, June 10, 2008. Photo from Leeway Archives.