Be a more empathetic funder with this guide to trauma-informed philanthropy

“Whether they know it or not, all funders are doing work that impacts individuals who have experienced trauma.”

That’s from Joe Pyle, president of the Scattergood Foundation. The org has teamed up with Philanthropy Network and United Way to produce “Trauma-Informed Philanthropy: A Funder’s Resource Guide to Supporting Trauma-Informed Practice in the Delaware Valley.”

The 36-page guide is designed to increase local funders’ awareness of the effects of childhood trauma on those who need services and includes explanations of:

• Common Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that cause lifelong trauma (parental divorce, time spent in foster care, sexual abuse, etc.) and how to be mindful of their effects
• How funders can incorporate their understanding of trauma into their organizations
• Case studies of organizations in the Delaware Valley using trauma-informed practice in their work

Here’s some scary food for thought: In Philadelphia, 21.5 percent of all residents have experience four or more ACEs, compared to 14.3 percent nationwide, according to the guide. Read on to learn what to do about that.