Grantmaking for Systems Change

A free symbolic course for ethical funders, survivor advocates, and structural reformers.

Created by Sarah Ailish McLoughlin | Strategic Self-Advocacy™

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Reimagining Funding for Reform

Inside the Course

Learn to reflect on funding relationships, evaluate systemic harms, and align grantmaking with survivor-defined ethical protocols.

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"To shift systems, we must first shift the scaffolding."

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About This Course

Grantmaking for Systems Change is a free symbolic learning experience for funders, community advocates, and institutional reformers committed to shifting power through ethical funding.

This course unpacks the structural role of grantmaking — not just as resource distribution, but as a narrative, a framing device, and a tool of influence. Through a mix of reflection tools, systemic analysis, and real-world examples, learners will explore how to reimagine funding logic in ways that center consent, authorship, and collective accountability.

Symbolic participation is protected throughout. You may engage anonymously, work at your own pace, and download survivor-authored toolkits without entering any personal data.

Who This Course is For

Ethical funders and grantmaking bodies
Disabled and neurodivergent advocates
Research designers and philanthropic boards
Anyone navigating structural giving systems

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“Funding is a structure. Structures can be re-authored.”

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Course Roadmap

Introduction to Strategic Grantmaking

Explore the foundational principles of strategic, equity-centered grantmaking for systemic change.

Systems Thinking and Funding Power

Learn to map funding ecosystems, identify leverage points, and assess power dynamics in grant flows.

Evaluating Proposals for Impact

Develop evaluation skills grounded in social impact frameworks, symbolic logic, and community priorities.

Reflective Tools and Community Voice

Apply symbolic tools and templates for funding reflection, feedback loops, and inclusive accountability.

"Grants don’t just fund — they frame what matters."

Join the Grantmaking for Systems Change Course

Hosted in Google Classroom. Freely available to all funders, advocates, and structural reformers.

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Or use Class code: abavmi23 to join from your Google Classroom dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about how the course works, who it’s for, or how symbolic participation is protected? Browse the answers below or get in touch.

Do I need to use my real name to participate?

No. You may use a symbolic or pseudonymous identity throughout this course to ensure safety, authorship protection, and trauma-informed engagement.

Is this course free?

Yes. The course is freely available under the McLoughlin Charter and Strategic Self-Advocacy license. No payment, registration, or personal details are required.

Can I complete the course at my own pace?

Absolutely. The course is self-paced and designed to respect access needs. You can pause, revisit, or skip content according to your capacity and interest.

Is this just for funders?

No. While ideal for grantmakers and philanthropy professionals, the course supports community advocates, campaigners, and anyone engaging with structural funding issues.

Is the content relevant outside Australia?

Yes. While examples reference Australian policy landscapes, the principles, tools, and evaluation methods are globally adaptable.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive a symbolic certificate of participation governed by the McLoughlin Charter—affirming your engagement without exposing your identity.