At EDGE Funders Alliance, we believe that how we govern ourselves is inseparable from the politics we stand for. Over the past year, many of the members have been deeply engaged in shaping a new chapter in EDGE’s governance – one that embodies our values of shared leadership, democratic accountability, and political coherence. Today, we’re excited to share an update on where we’ve been, what’s changing, and what lies ahead.

Why Now?

Philanthropy is facing a reckoning. In a world marked by deepening inequality, climate collapse, political repression, and genocide, our sector is being called to act with greater courage, transparency, and responsibility. At EDGE, this means not only holding funders accountable to movements, but also redistributing power within our own structures.

Over the past year, we’ve taken intentional steps to align our governance with this political moment – moving from rhetoric to structural change.

Where We’ve Been?

In 2023, we launched a Structure Working Group (SWG) – a politically grounded and care-centered space made up of staff, Board members, and representatives from across our global network. This group met regularly over the course of a year to examine EDGE’s governance, identify gaps, and reimagine a model that would be more democratic, inclusive, and accountable.

The result? A set of bold and thoughtful recommendations that have now shaped a long-term plan for transforming how decisions are made at EDGE.

What’s Changing?

We’re now in the implementation phase of this transformation, and three major changes are underway:

Democratization of the Board

In 2025, EDGE held its first open elections for its Board of Directors. This means that all member organizations have had the opportunity to nominate and vote for candidates. The New Board is not only representative of our political commitments but also brings the strategic expertise needed to guide the network forward.
Launch of a Members Council

We’re creating a new advisory body composed of active EDGE members involved in regional or thematic work. The Members Council will serve as a space for political reflection, strategic guidance, and collective coordination. It will help anchor EDGE in its regional diversity and strengthen alignment with movement-led priorities.
Creation of the Agora

In April 2025, at our conference in Bogotá, we hosted the first-ever EDGE Agora—a dedicated members-only space for open dialogue, feedback, and collective sense-making. The Agora is now becoming a permanent space in EDGE’s infrastructure, where members can raise concerns, ask questions, and engage directly with the Board and staff. It’s a key piece in building a culture of accountability and transparency across the network.

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more information with all members on:

The New Elected Board
How to get involved in the Members Council process

We know this work is far from finished. Governance is not static – it’s a living, evolving part of our political practice. We’re deeply grateful to all the members, staff, and allies who have contributed time, energy, and vision to this transformation. Your leadership continues to shape EDGE’s path.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the governance transformation or want to get involved, feel free to reach out to Kinga Wisniewska at kinga@edgefunders.org.

Together, we’re building a bolder, more accountable, and more collectively governed EDGE.