Lankelly Chase: Transitioning from Traditional Philanthropy to Systems Change
Lankelly Chase has long been a significant player in the charitable sector, focusing its efforts on the intersection of social, racial, and climate justice. However, the organization has recently undergone a profound philosophical shift, moving away from traditional grant-making toward a critical examination of how systemic change is actually achieved.
The Push for Systems Change
In 2018, Lankelly Chase partnered with New Philanthropy Capital to release a pivotal report titled Thinking Big: How To Use Theory Of Change For Systems Change. A Theory of Change is a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context.
The report offered a critical perspective on the UK charity sector, arguing that many organizations fail to address the root causes of poverty. Instead, the report suggested that charities often prioritize "quick fixes" that treat the symptoms of poverty rather than dismantling the underlying systems that create it.
Funding and Financial Scale
Before shifting its operational model in 2023, Lankelly Chase maintained a substantial financial footprint. Supported by a £130 million endowment, the foundation distributed approximately £13 million annually to several hundred charities. These grants were specifically targeted toward initiatives promoting racial justice, social justice, and climate justice.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]A Bold Departure from Traditional Philanthropy
On July 10, 2023, the foundation made a landmark announcement: it would spend the next five years winding down its operations and distributing all remaining assets. This decision stemmed from the governing board's conclusion that traditional philanthropic giving is a "function of colonial capitalism."
The foundation expressed that the traditional philanthropy model is so deeply entangled with colonial capitalism—an economic system based on the exploitation of resources and people from colonized regions—that it inevitably perpetuates historical harms. In response to the interlocking global crises of climate, economics, and society, Lankelly Chase determined that bold action was required to break this cycle.
Asset Distribution and Legacy
As part of its closure process, the foundation is distributing its assets to organizations that align with its evolved vision. A significant portion of this giveaway, totaling £8 million, is planned for the Baobab Foundation.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Endowment Value | £130 million |
| Previous Annual Distribution | Approximately £13 million |
| Key Focus Areas | Racial, Social, and Climate Justice |
| Closure Timeline | Five years (starting July 2023) |
| Major Planned Grant | £8 million to Baobab Foundation |
Key Facts
- Critical Report: Published Thinking Big in 2018 to advocate for addressing root causes over symptoms.
- Financial Capacity: Operated with a £130 million endowment.
- Strategic Shift: Decided to close operations in 2023 due to the link between traditional philanthropy and colonial capitalism.
- Final Distribution: Allocating £8 million to the Baobab Foundation as part of its asset liquidation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lankelly Chase closing its operations?
The foundation concluded that the traditional model of philanthropy is too closely linked to colonial capitalism, which they believe continues the harms of the past into the present.
What was the main finding of the "Thinking Big" report?
The report criticized UK charities for focusing on the symptoms of poverty rather than utilizing a Theory of Change to address the root causes of the issue.
How much money did the foundation distribute annually before 2023?
Lankelly Chase distributed approximately £13 million per year to several hundred different charities.
Which organization is receiving a significant portion of the remaining assets?
The Baobab Foundation is planned to receive £8 million as part of the foundation's asset distribution.
What specific causes did Lankelly Chase support?
The foundation focused its funding on racial justice, social justice, and climate justice.