In 2023, FSM entered a new chapter in its philanthropic journey—one rooted in deeper trust, greater equity, and long term sustainability. Building on years of relational and trust-based grantmaking, FSM made a deliberate shift toward Participatory Grantmaking, the most regenerative form of philanthropy.
Rather than holding decision-making power centrally, FSM began ceding that power to those closest to the work. This shift took shape in a collaborative effort to create a regional fund by and for frontline communities: the Sow Joy Peoples Fund (SJPF). Grounded in principles of justice, healing, and mutual aid, SJPF is led by community based organizers, with direct input from those impacted by environmental injustice in the St. Louis region.
Starting in 2024, more than half of FSM’s total grantmaking capacity was entrusted to SJPF. This not only represents a major investment in movement infrastructure and community self-determination—it also reduces the need for FSM to maintain in-house grant management, making the philanthropic model itself more nimble and sustainable.
This evolution reflects FSM’s belief that those most affected by injustice are best positioned to lead the way forward. By investing in participatory models like SJPF, FSM continues its mission in a way that embodies humility, regeneration, and the spirit of shared power.
Spotlight: The Sow Joy Peoples Fund
In 2024, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary took a transformative step in its philanthropy by launching the Sow Joy Peoples Fund (SJPF)—a community led environmental justice fund rooted in the St. Louis region. This fund marked FSM’s most significant move yet toward participatory grantmaking and regenerative philanthropy.
The creation of SJPF was not a top-down decision. It resulted from nearly two years of listening, relationship building, and co-creation. FSM began by engaging local leaders in a
series of structured conversations—first through an Advisory Board of environmental justice organizers, then through the formation of a Community Board with full governing
authority. Throughout the process, FSM stepped back from control and stepped into a role of accompaniment—offering resources, historical perspective, and infrastructure, while allowing community leaders to define the fund’s shape, values, and direction.
The Community Board includes a majority of Black women and people with lived experience of environmental injustice. They now make all decisions related to grantmaking, organizational identity, and future strategy. The board selected the fund’s name—Sow Joy Peoples Fund—a reflection of its grounding in joy, mutual care, and cultural wisdom.
Starting in 2024, FSM began directing the majority of its grantmaking capacity to SJPF. This represents not only a major shift in funding strategy, but a spiritual and structural
commitment to a new way of practicing philanthropy—one rooted in humility, trust, and
long-term movement support. The fund is also structured to attract additional donors and
collaborators, with FSM as a founding funder rather than a permanent parent.
Key features of SJPF include:
– Full Community Governance – The fund is fully controlled by the Community Board, which sets grant criteria, selects grantees, and manages its own internal structure and external partnerships.
– Values-Based Design – Every stage of the fund’s development was anchored in shared values: racial equity, healing justice, Catholic Social Teaching, and ecological regeneration.
– Funder Accompaniment – FSM did not just hand over funds—it walked alongside the board with transparency, respect, and a willingness to unlearn traditional philanthropic norms.
– Infrastructure for the Future – SJPF has its own fiscal sponsor, staffing model, and
long-term growth plan. It is designed not as a temporary initiative, but as a lasting community institution.
The Sow Joy Peoples Fund represents a culmination of FSM’s philanthropic evolution—shifting from direct grantmaking to funding that is community-governed, equity-centered, and built to last. It is a tangible expression of FSM’s belief that those closest to the pain are also closest to the wisdom and solutions—and that philanthropy must get out of the way to let that leadership flourish.
“We hope and pray this new fund will continue FSM’s mission, advance the regenerative shifts we’ve been practicing with our philanthropy, and allow us all to move together in right relationship—with each other and the planet.”
FSM’s role now is to continue learning, sharing, and supporting other funders interested in similar participatory pathways. The Sow Joy Peoples Fund is more than a grantmaking vehicle—it is a living expression of joy, justice, and community power.