The spirited atmosphere at the PEX Forum 2024 in Rome, Italy had a unique energy that set the stage for thoughtful reflection, forward-looking discussions, and introspection alike. 

Beyond the engaging panels highlighting emerging trends, networking opportunities, and innovative approaches, there was a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the future direction of the initiative. Participants were deeply engaged in conversations about the role PEX can play in the philanthropy sector.

As PEX grappled with conversations about its next phase—along with other important conversations related to collaboration and equity — Raul Correa-Smith, Executive Director of MOTI, advocated for a recalibration of our perspectives in philanthropy overall. He asserted, “Our assumptions in the present stop us from imagining the future,” highlighting the limitations imposed by entrenched beliefs. 

Correa-Smith emphasised that narratives and storytelling are important for humans because they simplify complexity. However, he warns against the pitfalls of becoming trapped in stories that are limited to our

preexisting biases and assumptions, which can impede progress. He argues that we must build trust and “share the air through storytelling to achieve narrative change.” 

Going Beyond Grants to Build Trust and Transform the Philanthropy Ecosystem 

Echoing this sentiment, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ new book, “Reimagined Philanthropy,” delves into the fractured landscape of trust. The book advocates for the philanthropic sector to spearhead this mending process, emphasising the pivotal role of trust in fostering robust partnerships. According to the book, trust opens avenues for deeper collaboration, ultimately leading to more impactful outcomes. It champions authentic engagement with communities, viewing them as wellsprings of wisdom, and encourages philanthropies to transcend traditional grantmaking, fostering transformative change through holistic support.

Andy Bryant, Segal Family Foundation’s (SFF) Executive Director, is working to do just that. In Rockefeller Reimagined Philanthropy, he says, “I think we’ve happened upon something really strong—placing local

actors at the helm of development agendas in their countries. Local leaders, with their intimate understanding of local problems and solutions, are central to everything we do.”

One way that SFF is supporting its grantee partners beyond traditional grantmaking is by giving them a platform to share their work and experiences. “If I’m going to a conference, my first question is, ‘Who

can I bring along? Do you have a speaking role or a prominent spotlight you can shine on this partner’s work?’” Bryant says. “Too often funders do a lot of talking about the doers, especially those from the Global South, when it would be more meaningful to allow them to talk about their work themselves. Our grantee partners are experts in their own right and they are best positioned to talk about their work and the impact that they are having in their communities.”

In addition to its grantmaking support, SFF is also working to change the ecosystem surrounding its work. SFF sources nearly everything— strategic planning experts, financial management consultants,

photographers, videographers, and musicians—from East Africa rather than from traditional Western sources like San Francisco, Washington, DC, or Brussels. This approach allows SFF to begin to localise the entire

development ecosystem—not just one piece. In doing this, the foundation truly shifted how they show up in the present to build the future they wish to see.

Next Steps for PEX

In the same way that SFF has transformed its ecosystem, PEX is doing thoughtful, intentional work to develop its own ecosystem and devise where it’s going next. PEX, with its expansive reach spanning membership organizations, foundations, philanthropy-infrastructure organizations, journalists, and more, stands at the nexus of an evolving philanthropy landscape. 

In seeking to mend the fractures of trust, PEX may benefit from drawing inspiration from initiatives like the Segal Family Foundation and their inclusion of grantee community partners at conferences. By amplifying the voices of those closest to the issues and actively engaging with diverse perspectives, PEX has the potential to catalyse meaningful change within the philanthropic ecosystem, propelling it towards a future characterised by trust, authenticity, and impactful partnerships. 

Caroline Suozzi is the Thought Leadership and Content Manager at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.