I need your advice. In the last week I've spoken with 3 orgs. in a similar space as @Zebras_Unite run by white men with funding 5 - 20x ours. They repeat an identical line:

"We want to use our platform to elevate the orgs. like yours doing the work on the ground." /1

When I hear this, I have one question: "Could I please see your budget?" The budget tells the story of if this is indeed true. I see three places where this good intention could bear out in reality. I am *certain* am missing some nooks and crannies...

Budget line #1: Consulting + professional fees. If "grasstops" orgs (their word!) wanted to "elevate us" they would *contract with* grassroots orgs, rather than hire up internally. I would see 5 grassroots orgs x $50k annual retainer which would signal compensated collaboration.

Budget line #2: Regranting. If "grasstops" orgs wanted to "elevate" grassroots orgs I would see a regranting line which would signal they are using their grant funding as a passthrough. I would see 10 grassroots orgs x $50K annual community building grants = sharing resources.

Budget line #3: Speakers fees. Another place "compensated elevation" could be hiding is Conference + Event speakers fees, where they would pay grassroots orgs. for speaking at their public events or private, elite, grasstops stakeholder conversations..

Challenge my thinking here and help me understand. If you were told a well-funded org is *primarily* committed to elevating grassroots orgs, how would you want to see it demonstrated IN THEIR BUDGET?

As we budget at Zebras Unite for '21 we are building in these "walk the talk" interventions, even as a scrappy org. I would LOVE to hear how you do it and what you'd want to see?