Program Outcome Report Sample

Philanthropy for Equity: How The Nathan Cummings Foundation Advances Both Justice and Sustainability

Introduction: Growing Inequality and Climate Crisis Demand Bold Philanthropic Action

The 21st century is being defined by two converging crises: deepening inequality and accelerating climate breakdown. In the U.S. and globally, wealth concentration is mostly at the top while communities of color, low-income families and future generations bear the heaviest burdens. 

Traditional philanthropy has often treated symptoms — scholarships, food banks, disaster relief — while leaving underlying systems unchanged.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF), founded in 1949 by the founder of Sara Lee, has deliberately evolved into one of the most equity-centered funders in the U.S. With ~US$1 billion in assets and annual grantmaking of US$25–35 million, NCF targets root causes through racial justice, climate justice and inclusive economic systems.

Problem Statement: Traditional Philanthropy Often Lacks Systemic Impact

Most foundations fund projects or organisations without addressing power dynamics. This approach:

1.Reinforces existing inequalities (e.g., funding elite institutions over grassroots groups).

2.Ignores intersectionality (racial justice without climate or vice versa).

3.Fails to shift policy or capital flows at a large scale.

4.Often excludes affected communities from key decision-making.

The result: incremental gains at it's best, while structural drivers of injustice and ecological collapse continue unchecked.

NCF Solution: Focus on Racial Equity, Climate Justice and an Inclusive Economy

NCF pursues systemic change through three interconnected strategies such as;

1.Racial Equity

NCF centers the leadership of people of color in decision-making, funding and narrative control. It supports movement-building organizations, narrative change efforts and efforts to transform institutions (e.g., arts and philanthropy itself).

2.Climate Justice

NCF funds frontline communities fighting fossil fuel expansion, advancing just transition policies, and building community-owned renewable energy. It prioritises Indigenous, Black and Brown-led groups within the U.S. and beyond 

3.Inclusive Economy

NCF invests in workers independence, cooperative models, community land trusts and policies that shift wealth and ownership to marginalised groups. It also supports the narrative work to change cultural attitudes towards wealth and economy.

Cross-cutting approaches include:

•Multi-year, general operating support (rare in philanthropy).

•Participatory grantmaking and community advisors.

•Advocacy and policy influence.

•Open knowledge-sharing (reports, toolkits, learning sessions).

Impact: Empowering Communities, Driving Systemic Change And Influencing Key Policies 

NCF’s work has produced tangible outcomes such as;

1.Arts & Culture: Supported the creation of new narratives around justice (e.g., films, exhibits, media campaigns) that reached millions.

2.Climate Justice: Helped block or delay fossil-fuel projects and community solar transition legislation in multiple states.

3.Economic Justice: Backed worker cooperatives, community land trusts and policy victories (e.g., expanded child tax credit, public banking initiatives).

4.Field Influence: NCF’s participatory and trust-based models have influenced other foundations (e.g., Ford, Kellogg) to adopt similar practices.

The foundation’s 2025 impact report highlights how 78% of grantees are led by people of color and 65% are grassroots or movement organizations — numbers far above sector averages.

Broader Vision: Improving the Human Condition Through Integrity, Stewardship and Compassion

NCF’s mission — “to improve the human condition through equity, justice and sustainability” — is well rooted in Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world). The foundation pursues that vision by:

•Ceding power to communities mostly affected by injustice.

•Taking risks on emerging leaders and untested strategies.

•Staying accountable to those it serves.

•Using its platform to shift broader philanthropic norms.

Conclusion: Nathan Cummings Foundation as a Leader in Equity-Centered Philanthropy for the 21st Century

In an era of cascading crises, incremental philanthropy is no longer enough. The Nathan Cummings Foundation has demonstrated what is possible even when a funder commits to equity at every level — from grantmaking to governance to shaping narratives.

By centering communities, taking long-term bets and sharing power, NCF is not just funding change — it is modeling it. The foundation’s work shows that philanthropy can be a force for structural transformation, not just temporary relief. In doing so, it offers a roadmap for the sector to meet the urgency of our time.