Hello everyone, my name is Emily Rangel, and I am a student at California State University Monterey Bay CSUMB. I am currently going into my senior year and working as an NPC intern through my field training program in Collaborative Human and Health Services.

This week’s blog is inspired by Vu Le’s article “Democracy is Dying. Philanthropy Needs to Stop Its Toxic Intellectualizing” Read Vu’s Full blog HERE. Since I am currently a student and have yet to write a grant proposal, I am not familiar with what entirely goes into grant writing other than the one semester-long class I took via Zoom. However, I do empathize with the frustration of grant writing and the process. Since many grants have limitations on allocating funds, I am aware that any changes to how funds are allocated require approval or at least disclosure to the funders. I believe this is the ‘Freedom” Vu Le refers to when he suggests how to improve the funder’s grant process. Additionally, I agree with Vu’s request for funders to take a step back once funds have been awarded; there should be good faith from funders that organizations awarded funds will be used and appropriately allocated.

Additionally, another talking point brought up in this blog is funding a study on why lower and middle-class groups do not give more to nonprofits. A wealthy group funds this study with  $3.2 million dollars. The funds should have been allocated towards a nonprofit to help improve the communities lower and middle-class individuals reside. Personally, questioning lower and middle-class income earners on why they do not donate more of their barely livable wages seems unfair. Instead of examining these groups, why not put the funds of this study towards a more worthwhile cause. Why is there no talk of a study on why the wealthy are hesitant to donate more to organizations? Would it not be fair to question the wealthy as they are questioning the lower and middle class? The study reminds me of a bully who has their own lunch money but still hassles you for your reduced-cost lunch money. However, that is my personal opinion; What are your views of this study? Do you see the information gathered to be helpful? How can funders ease the grand writing process?