Mobilizing philanthropy to solve homelessness

One of the biggest barriers we face as funders is figuring out how to invest our limited resources in ways that will make a meaningful and lasting change. In order to move beyond managing the problem of homelessness and address the root causes, we must continually learn, share best practices, hear about innovative solutions on the horizon, and discuss how to best align our funding to meet our collective goal of ending homelessness for good.

15 years ago, there were hundreds of funders working to end homelessness but no central organization to coordinate their individual efforts and support them.

In 2004, the Trust joined with seven other funders to launch Funders Together to End Homelessness to move our country closer to ending chronic homelessness. Today, the organization boasts over 175 members and provides a wide array of resources for funders interested in learning more about ending homelessness. Funders Together mobilizes its members to utilize the voice, influence, and expertise of philanthropy in ways that advance lasting solutions to ending homelessness, including addressing its underlying causes like structural and racial inequities, and helping create policies and systems that center people with lived expertise.

Funders Together is focused on three major goals:

1. Improve grantmaking to prevent and end homelessness by keeping funders apprised of best practices and innovation in the field; compiling and sharing the latest data, research, and trends; and offering guidance by providing tools, research, and experts in the field.
2. Increase collaboration and alignment of funder strategies by fostering and developing opportunities for public-private partnerships, regional funders networks, and sharing best practices.
3. Help funders become advocates for change by reducing policy barriers, leveraging funds, and creating bridges between different systems to have a real impact on ending and reducing homelessness.

 

The Melville Trust’s Role

The Trust was one of the initial founders of Funders Together and provided in-kind support and seed funding. We remain a dedicated funder and engaged member of the network.

Fore more about Funders Together to End Homelessness please contact Amanda Misiko Andere, CEO  amanda@funderstogether.org.