Redefining rights‐based conservation through philanthropy: The Ford Foundation in Mesoamerica

Abstract

The role of the philanthropic sector in climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation is gaining renewed attention as new pledges to dramatically increase funding for nature-based climate solutions mount. Despite their significant role in the conservation space, philanthropies are relatively understudied as donors; in particular, the lack of accountability and transparency in philanthropy have made them a "black box", including in conservation-related efforts. Based on extensive document and database review alongside interviews with philanthropic grant-makers and recipients, this article seeks to analyze the conservation-related efforts of the Ford Foundationa long-standing philanthropic actor in international sustainable development. Specifically, we examine how Ford Foundation practices in Mexico and Central America have shifted since 2000 to center Indigenous Peoples and local communities, both in terms of thematic focus and strategic approach. In explaining how Ford Foundation grant-makers themselves understand the process of change, and their lessons from this process, this article highlights the ongoing challenges to and possible methods for centering inclusive, territorial approaches to produce more effective, lasting conservation outcomes.

Conservation philanthropy: Growing the field of research and practice

“…They found a "clear level of transparency" already in the work and priorities of US foundations supporting sustainable seafood but also show how vague descriptions of grants still pose a barrier to more nuanced understanding of funding objectives and end recipients (Schiller et al, 2023). Sauls and L opez Illescas (2023) describe how the Ford Foundation shifted their strategy over time to center Indigenous Peoples and local communities in grant-making for rights-based conservation in Mexico and Central America. As support for Indigenous-led conservation gains traction within mainstream conservation philanthropy globally, this articlecoauthored by a current Ford Foundation program officer-provides a detailed example of how one foundation actually made this change in practice.…”

Fieldwork in conservation organisations–A review of methodological challenges, opportunities and ethics

“…Assumptions about philanthropic foundations are made by practitioners and academics alike, with their role as agents who have the capacity to change and reflect too often denied. A recent study on the Ford Foundation showed how since the 2000s, it has radically transformed its donor practices through the agency of its staff and now funds indigenous environmental grass-roots and rightsbased movements (Sauls & López Illescas, 2023). As the black box of philanthropy opens, conservation directors and managers should better engage them on issues of conservation injustice.…”