PDF is more than a grantmaker: our model of philanthropy involves direct funding, advocacy where appropriate, and partnerships built around mutual respect, sharing of resources, and transparency of planning and decision-making. We endeavor to be a key “go-to” foundation on issues of peace, human rights, social justice and environmental protection. We work to counter-balance dominate power structures by moving resources and sharing decision-making with activist groups and communities.

Through Donor Advised and Designated Grantmaking we assist international work, primarily in the Western Hemisphere, navigating the complex waters of the Homeland Security environment to make grants to groups outside the US using appropriate and non-oppressive forms of due diligence and legal oversight.

Our Capacity Building Program entails Initiatives built on the principles of partnership, which at this time encompasses the BASE Initiative and the Criminal Justice Initiative. We work with organizers and organizations in these national program areas, bringing our commitment, our resources large and small, and our shared decision making, power sharing and open engagement.

In the philanthropic sector, we build support for community initiatives with foundation and network partners and advocate for more equitable and sustainable relationships among funders and grantees, and we advocate for more support for these effective grassroots organizations. We see ourselves opening doors for organizers and representatives to philanthropic and other circles of decision makers and power brokers.