Engaging partnerships

Domestic violence affects millions of individuals across every income level, age, ethnicity, race and ability. It is not a private individual issue; it threatens the security of families and communities, and it is a widespread social problem, deeply rooted in power dynamics. And there are sociostructural contexts and harmful norms, such as sexism and unequal distribution of power, housing insecurity, racism and poverty, and lack of equitable access to health care and other institutions, that are drivers and risk factors of domestic violence. As such, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes addressing domestic violence through a multisector approach where we center equity at individual, relationship, community and societal levels.

Philanthropic The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) strongly believes in community, equity, intersectionality, transformation and healing. We believe that government and community-based providers must work together to enhance the safety and economic stability of those most vulnerable in Iowa. We work toward addressing systemic and economic barriers experienced by survivors of domestic violence through advocacy efforts, training, education and prevention strategies, housing and economic justice, legal assistance and policy advocacy at the local, state and national levels.

Most public policy responses to domestic violence, from law enforcement intervention to shelters, have focused on physical violence. However, it’s not enough to limit physical abuse through a restraining order or isolation in a domestic violence shelter if the person causing harm maintains the means to control the victim through interference with the financial requirements of daily life. If people do not have access to safe living conditions, work, transportation, education, health care, etc., they have fewer choices about their life and safety. Researchers have identified that economic barriers are leveraged by people who harm to trap their partners; and they’ve found that opportunity and the ability to be of service to their community is one of the most critical determinants of survivor-defined success.

In practical terms, this analysis results in ICADV’s direct efforts, such as:

Economic empowerment: Using the Allstate Foundation Moving Ahead Curriculum, ICADV’s financial literacy classes cover multiple topics, including budgeting, managing debt and improving credit, and have proven to help survivors achieve long-term security. Combined with a matched savings program, supported by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, ICADV works to restore economic power to survivors. 

The Alice Barton Scholarship Program provides annual scholarships of $2,000 to survivors of domestic violence. Funds can help with tuition, books and fees for classes, and a portion may be applied to pay other expenses that support the survivor’s education and job-training efforts, such as child care or transportation. 

Housing-first model: Emergency shelters are a temporary and costly solution. Prioritizing access to safe and stable housing for homeless families has led to 46% more people receiving services through their statewide victim service providers, according to the Crime Victim Assistance Division.

Immigration clinic: ICADV’s legal services assist immigrants in adjusting their status, gaining work authorization, knowing their rights, preventing deportation and protecting their children from state and partner violence, creating economically sustainable and healthy families. 

Leveraging collective power for system change: Building relationships and inclusive alliances at the speed of trust, ICADV collaborates with community leaders and culturally specific programs to co-create strategies and coordinate support for survivors. We empower and elevate the leaders within affected communities, ensuring representation and collaboration.

It is through this lens and action that the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence is able to benefit from shifting philanthropic approaches to focus on equity. I’ve seen equity-focused philanthropic approaches be called “participatory grantmaking” or “community-led philanthropy.” Once you experience it, you will no longer accept anything different — or maybe you will, out of need.

This approach distributes resources in ways that promote fairness, shift power dynamics, and is typically unrestricted and community-led. Equity-focused philanthropy moves away from hierarchical and institutional practices that harm and exert power over the very people and communities they intend to support, instead fostering “power-with” and trust-based relationships with grantees. ICADV is embracing a truly revolutionary approach to giving – viewing grantees and community leaders as equal partners in their philanthropic strategy. Who would’ve thought?

Truthfully, when I first experienced this shift, I was skeptical. Inclusive decision-making power? No repetitive reporting requirements? Meaningful inquiry and inclusion of my voice as a grantee? Casual and nonintrusive check-ins? Multiyear funding? It has been a game changer! This approach helps build trusting relationships with funders, and grantees feel like active agents with greater control rather than passive recipients of charity.

These lateral approaches to “giving” are empowering, meaningful and collaborative. Ultimately, an equity-focused approach creates sustainable impacts, allows for opportunity to learn and grow as a leader and ensures long-term commitment allowing for future planning and growth rather than constantly seeking new sources of funding to meet the gap. Empowered recipients think bigger and move more boldly to achieve their stretch goals.

I am excited to see more philanthropists embrace this transformative shift where they no longer cling to sole decision-making power and instead create space for meaningful dialogue with the leaders who bring lived experience, deep community ties and true expertise to the table. Multiyear funding strategies move us from the scramble of short-term survival to long-term, sustainable impact, allowing key programming to thrive, build capacity and create more efficient, reliable systems. Let’s see a whole lot more of this, please!

What’s one trend you’re seeing with volunteer engagement?

Ongoing COVID-19 health concerns, combined with emotional strain, high turnover and limited funding, create substantial challenges for domestic violence victim services agencies. However, digital tools and remote opportunities offer a promising solution. They can expand the volunteer base and keep volunteers engaged without overburdening understaffed agencies. Volunteers can make significant contributions by managing social media campaigns, organizing virtual fundraisers or revamping nonprofit websites. These efforts not only help promote the organizations and attract funding but also enable volunteers to engage meaningfully from a distance, addressing health concerns while raising awareness about critical services available to survivors.