They are philanthropic leaders, funders of health and well-being, justice and equity. They want to be part of building a shared movement for thriving together. They have come with questions and intentions.

They ask themselves and each other, “What creates health and well-being?”

And then, “What are the root causes that lead to unequal health and well-being outcomes?”

They pool their energy, knowledge, experience and perspectives together, seeking responses. 

They turn and look at the generations behind them. They examine structures and patterns and reflect on their history. They ask, “What systems created these challenges? What would fairness look like?”

They turn back to the present and look at themselves and each other, their relationships and their practices. They ask, “Who holds power? Whose voices are missing? What needs to change? What practical, powerful strategies can we use?”

They look to the generations to come and arrive at a new question: “What does it mean to be a Better Ancestor?”

They find it is a journey with different strands.

Being a Better Ancestor means engaging in deep generational change. Being in relationship with communities to reimagine and invest in building health, well-being, justice together. Using their collective power, wisdom and assets to transform systems for a more just and abundant world. 

These funders seeking to become Better Ancestors are at different points on their journey to change—taking stock of where they are, starting out, sustaining or deepening their efforts, radically reimagining.

Regardless of where they stand, they agree they each have a role in changing the systems that have shaped philanthropy up to now. And that to change the world, they must change themselves. 

What strategies, tools and resources will they need for this?

Every month for six months, they meet in the circle—a community of practice and study: Funders as Better Ancestors.

Together, they explore and test approaches to reshaping how philanthropy works in advancing justice and thriving. 

They share tools and resources for change—the ones they have already adopted, others they could take on, and others that need to be developed. 

They develop practical steps they can take towards philanthropy that is rooted in trust-building, fairness, community wisdom, and shared flourishing. Immediate, intermediate and long-term strategies.

They develop a Funder Compass to guide how they are doing in implementing their chosen strategies.

And they ask each other, “What’s working for you? What’s not working?”

This circle is not a myth. It is taking root in this moment. 

For the past 10 years, philanthropy has been changing. Many funders have adopted deeply transformative approaches to their philanthropic practice.

Funders as Better Ancestors, led by WE in the World, invites funders into a shared journey of deep generational change. It has three interconnected strands:

• Radically Reimagining the Future of Health for All, a collaboration with Grantmakers in Health, where diverse leaders in health philanthropy come together to imagine, envision and plan a collaborative approach to health equity and systemic change. Launched in September 2025.
• Rooted Philanthropy, a framework, practical tools and strategies to accompany funders on their route to change. To be presented during WE RISE & WIN Together Week this July.
• A Better Ancestors study circle for peer learning and mutual accompaniment among funders. Convening later this year.

Funders as Better Ancestors is an invitation to radically reimagine the future of philanthropy, to be deeply rooted in community, to leverage practical, powerful strategies for change in philanthropic practice, and to journey together towards a more just and abundant world.