An Evidence-Based Approach to Adopting the GEDI Lens among Women and Queer-Represented Family Philanthropy in India and South Asia

Background: Most donations from Indian family funders focus on education and health, leaving gender equity initiatives severely underfunded. With regulatory constraints in foreign and corporate social responsibility (CSR) giving, family philanthropy can be vital in long-term resourcing towards gender equity. A new generation of family givers is beginning to adopt more inclusive and transformative giving practices, and it is necessary to leverage this momentum. Addressing intersectional inequalities by adopting Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) can build proximate leadership and create intergenerational benefits for women, girls, and gender minorities. This research codifies good practices by feminist funding groups and cross-pollinating insights into family giving with a focus on India.

Literature Review: Funders neglect the complex and intersectional needs of women and marginalized genders, limiting their empowerment and societal participation. Engaging funders in reflection and collective action can address the root causes of inequity and drive sustainable, transformative change. However, a notable lack of research on engaging family philanthropists in India with gender-intentional, intersectional strategies is missing an opportunity to enhance impactful giving. Women’s funds have established partnerships and flexible funding models that respond to local contexts and the needs of historically marginalized communities. The literature highlights the importance of cross-learning and collaboration between women’s funds and family philanthropists by combining expertise and resources to strengthen philanthropy for gender and intersectionality.

Key Findings: This research examines feminist grantmaking practices in India and South Asia to identify good practices and inspire greater domestic capital deployment toward funding gender and intersectionality in the regional context. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional philanthropy and feminist grant-making. Drawing on feminist principles, the researchers developed the GEDI framework, a reflective tool designed to guide family philanthropists in analyzing their funding strategies. The GEDI framework emphasizes long-term, trust-based, flexible, transparent, participatory, accessible, and community-centered funding. The framework was applied and tested in interviews with family philanthropists. Conversations with feminist grantmakers, family philanthropists, and sector experts shed light on the practical application of these principles, revealing both alignment and challenges. The study highlights that GEDI implementation is often imperfect, influenced by internal constraints and external dynamics, affecting the on-the-ground outcomes. The research employs a systems thinking approach and utilizes feedback loops to illustrate these dynamic interactions. The study underscores the GEDI framework’s critical role in fostering consultative processes and reflective inquiry among grantmakers.

Key Recommendations:

• Philanthropy: Support and resource organizations embedded in feminist movements 
• Civil Society: Reflect on internal structures and shift power to proximate leaders 
• Multilaterals/ Government: Anchor convenings and platforms to promote dialogue
• Private Sector: Commit to GEDI principles within business processes and systems