Philanthropy has traditionally been associated with the wealthy—those with the means to establish foundations, fund large-scale initiatives, and dictate the direction of charitable giving. But what if everyone could be a philanthropist? What if the power to give and make a difference wasn’t concentrated in the hands of a few, but flowed freely through many?
That is the concept behind Flow Funding, an innovative approach to philanthropy that democratizes giving by entrusting social visionaries—often outside traditional funding structures—to distribute resources where they are most needed. Flow Funding fosters generosity that is deeply connected to grassroots movements. We the People of Detroit’s President & CEO, Monica Lewis-Patrick, has been honored to serve as a Flow Funder over the last three years, embracing this transformative model of philanthropy.
How Flow Funding Works
Unlike traditional grantmaking, which involves applications, evaluations, and bureaucratic oversight, Flow Funding operates through trust. Donors, known as Flow Fund Initiators, entrust Flow Funders to distribute funds to individuals and initiatives that they believe will have a profound impact on the communities they serve. There is no application process—only a commitment to community and equity in the distribution of resources. This approach ensures that funding reaches movements and people who are often overlooked by conventional philanthropy.
Flow Funding is rooted in the idea that money should flow through the hands of those closest to the issues, those with the lived experience and community connections to recognize where a financial gift can be most transformative.
Meet This Year’s Flow Fund Recipients
This year’s Flow Fund recipients are an extraordinary group of activists, visionaries, and changemakers committed to justice, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Each recipient embodies the spirit of Flow Funding, using resources to uplift communities and advance transformative work.
Claire McClinton – Flint Democracy Defence League
A dedicated advocate for clean and affordable water, Claire has been at the forefront of the fight for justice in Flint since the city’s infamous water crisis. As a member of the Democracy Defense League Water Task Force, she continues to raise awareness and demand accountability, ensuring that no community suffers the same fate.
Marian Kramer – National Welfare Rights Union
A lifelong warrior for welfare rights and civil rights, Marian has dedicated decades of her life to organizing and advocating for economic justice. As co-chair of the National Welfare Rights Union, she continues to fight for the rights of low-income communities and equitable access to essential resources.
Carletta Davis – We Matter Community Association
A former banker turned community activist, Carletta is a fierce advocate for environmental justice and economic equity. From founding the We Matter Community Association in response to the 2011 mercaptan gas spill, in Prichard, Alabama, to securing resources for marginalized Gulf Coast communities affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, she exemplifies the power of grassroots leadership.
Anthony Diaz – Newark Water Coalition
Co-founder of the Newark Water Coalition, Anthony has been a relentless advocate for water as a human right. His work centers on dismantling environmental racism and securing clean water, housing, and food access for all communities.
Mary Varson Cromer – Appalachian Citizens Law Center
Mary is a leading environmental attorney fighting for justice in coal mining communities. From securing land rights to advocating against toxic waste disposal, her work ensures that communities in Appalachia are not forgotten in the pursuit of economic development.
Ayanna McCloud – Bayou City Waterkeeper
As Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, Ayanna has led transformative efforts in water justice, wetland protection, and flood resilience. Her leadership has strengthened advocacy efforts, increased funding for water infrastructure, and expanded grassroots environmental justice work.
Teresa Davis – Communities of Love in Action (C.O.L.I.A.)
A dedicated advocate and creative visionary, Teresa founded C.O.L.I.A. to empower marginalized communities through acts of philanthropy, unity, and service. From crisis counseling after Hurricane Harvey to developing grassroots initiatives, she embodies the true spirit of collective transformation.
The Power of Collective Giving
Flow Funding challenges the notion that philanthropy belongs only to those with wealth and institutional power. It fosters a spirit of shared responsibility, demonstrating that generosity is not limited by financial status but fueled by vision, trust, and commitment to justice.
By placing funds in the hands of social visionaries who intimately understand the needs of their communities, Flow Funding ensures that resources flow where they are most needed—quickly and effectively.
Imagine a world where everyone is a philanthropist. Not just those with the means to write large checks, but anyone with the capacity to recognize a need and take action.
As We the People of Detroit continues its mission to advance water justice, democracy, and community resilience, the Flow Funding model serves as a powerful reminder that the most effective solutions often come from those who have lived through the challenges they seek to solve.
Through this year’s Flow Funding recipients, we see philanthropy reimagined—not as a top-down process, but as a collective and transformative force. And that is a future worth investing in.
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