BY Tim Murphy, Program Officer of the McKnight Foundation, and member of the 2024 PLACES cohort
If you work in philanthropy, you know the phrase: “The word philanthropy comes from two Greek words meaning the love of humankind.”
While well-intentioned, I would bet a small fortune I am not the only person working in this sector that has rolled their eyes as that phrase reverberates around a staff meeting or conference session.
It’s easy to become slightly skeptical of philanthropy — or some may say downright cynical. In a world that is driven by grants, deadlines, arbitrary payout numbers, site visits, board rooms, strategic planning sessions and more — shall I go on? The truest sense of connection, love, and care are often hard to find, or can even be completely absent from the picture.
Over my eight years in philanthropy, I have sat with this contradiction time and again, wondering if the field is flawed or if I was just turning over the wrong stones? Is there actually a place within philanthropy that centers radical love; that welcomes people from all walks of life and celebrates their differences — that truly has the best interest of ‘us’ in mind?
As I hit submit on my application to be a 2024 TFN PLACES Fellow in December 2023, those questions ricocheted around my mind. Transparently, I had applied multiple times — not yet able to be accepted. Part of me was wondering “Damn, am I really that uninteresting?” Ironic coming from a funder, right?
What I did not know then that I do know now is that the questions posed above would be answered for me in a resounding manner throughout my PLACES experience (yes, I was finally accepted).
As the fellowship transpired, starting with a trip to Cleveland in the spring, I knew I was in for something special. It was instantly apparent I was in the midst of a special group of people. See for yourself!
The 2024 PLACES Cohort. Photo Credit: Audrey McCann Photography.
Philanthropic leaders from across North America; trusted and revered community members; musicians; gardeners; organizers; amazing cooks; and so much more. We took the time needed to get to know one another and slowly built relationships. The TFN team knew that the work of love and care cannot be performed on an expedited timeline. We can’t rush the important things.
As the fellowship carried on, we got to see some of the most incredible community leaders I could imagine in Denver, met with Drake’s personal philanthropic advisor in Toronto (true story), and finished out a magnificent year in Sacramento engaging with indigenous leaders and learning about their hopes and dreams for the future.
Scenes from the Sierra Health Foundation. Photo credit: Bina M. Patel.
As I reflect on the full experience that was the TFN PLACES Fellowship, I of course think about the groundbreaking community investment strategies, grantmaking best practices I learned about, and new, innovative ways of practicing philanthropy. But perhaps most importantly, I witnessed and participated in a new way of being in community together with other philanthropic leaders.
The cohort practiced radical love in a way that was new and profound for me. We practiced accountability and care all within the same breath. We took time to rest and share stories and laughs without rushing to an endpoint. And for me, as a straight, white male, I felt deep optimism and confidence that we can truly achieve a just, equitable future where people are seen and valued for who they are and who they want to become.
I come out of the fellowship re-energized and committed to our collective well-being. I will continue to think about my role in social change and philanthropy, but I will never question my commitment to fighting for a better world.
As I close, I think about a quote from adrienne marie brown where she asks, “What do you love enough to change for?” For me, the answer is reflected in our PLACES 2024 Fellowship cohort. I will always find a way to change for them; for us. I hope others will too.
About the Author
Tim Murphy has served as a program officer at the McKnight Foundation with the Program Alignment team since 2021. In this role, he extends the capacity of McKnight’s program teams, including leading a portfolio of grants around institutional memberships, democracy, and local media and journalism. He is passionate about the intersection of media, democracy, and equity across the entire state of Minnesota. He is a member of the 2024 PLACES cohort.