Annual Report 2021
Throughout 2021, we witnessed a proliferation of courageous conversations and sincere efforts across the philanthropic sector to promote wellbeing within communities representing diverse populations across the globe. Since then, whether examining geopolitical dynamics or analyzing domestic inequities through the lens of their historical origins, the evolution of community needs has required grantmakers to be emergent in our work with nonprofits and communities to be effective. In the face of this trend, GEO’s emphasis on collective thriving continues to resonate, and we continue to observe members operate in service of a just and connected society.
But these efforts do not come without their challenges. Over the last several years, we have noticed from the GEO community — its members, volunteers, partners — a resounding desire for meaningful connection during a time when such connection was hampered, or made impossible, in the face of a global health pandemic. In times of discomfort, when many of us experienced high levels of uncertainty and isolation, we redoubled our commitment to establish and affirm spaces where grantmakers could learn, practice and grow together, thereby sharing the burden of leading through the destabilizing impacts of societal inequities.
In this report, we are excited to share examples that illustrate some of the ways GEO has continued to be a supportive, resource-rich space for grantmakers to advance social progress through transforming philanthropic culture and practice. We continue to extend our gratitude to the members, partners, supporters and staff who have facilitated, informed and led us to and through these trying years.
