Name: Community-Led Grantmaking: What’s Funded When the Community Leads?
Start: 2026-05-12T15:15:00-0500
End: 2026-05-12T16:45:00-0500

Welcome to River Rally 2026

Community-Led Grantmaking: What’s Funded When the Community Leads?

Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT

Lantana

This session offers an introduction to the intersecting worlds of grassroots fundraising, giving circles, and trust-based philanthropy — exploring what becomes possible when grantmaking and community investments are guided by the people closest to the work. Participants will get an inside look at River Network's Flow Fund Circle, a model that puts decision-making power directly into the hands of network members. You will also hear firsthand from community leaders about the impactful work they are leading on the ground, made possible in part through Flow Fund support. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will inspire fresh thinking about how financial resources flow — and who gets to decide.

Speakers

Tricia Cortez

Executive Director, Rio Grande International Study Center

Care deeply about environmental justice here in South Texas.
River restoration, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, revamping our regulatory framework to hold industry and polluters accountable, financially and otherwise.
Border Wall fighter.
Fighting climate issues at a local level is... Read More →

Monica Lewis-Patrick

Founder, We the People of Detroit

Monica Lewis-Patrick is an educator, entrepreneur, and human rights activist. With guidance and support from the other four founders of We the People of Detroit (WPD), and the leadership of volunteers and community experts, she has become one of the most distinguished social justice... Read More →

Brenda Coley

Former co-Executive Director, Milwaukee Water Commons

Brenda Coley has been Queering the environmental sector since joining Milwaukee Water Commons in 2019. Coley is a Wisconsin based activist whose work has been inspired with the understanding there is a profound social justice connection between People and Planet. She has served in... Read More →

Sharon Bagley

Founder, Not Orange, Inc.

Jessie Fuentes

Activist, Eagle Pass Border Coalition

Sharee Harrison

Founder, Orange Trail Mix

Born and raised in the Township of Orange, Sharee Harrison is an African American entrepreneur, community advocate, Master gardener, and emerging philanthropist deeply committed to strengthening urban communities through education, access, and opportunity.

Arthur Johnson

Chief Executive Officer, Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development

Born in the Nation’s Capital with roots in New Orleans that date back to visits with his grandmother in the Lower Ninth Ward on Fostall Street. Mr. Johnson earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from George Washington University and the University of District of Columbia... Read More →

Dr. Bernard Singleton

Environmental Research Director/Co-Founder of CSED's Environmental Research Internship Program, Dillard University & Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED)

Dr. Bernard Singleton is a native of New Orleans. He is an Associate Professor of Biology at Dillard University. He is also a Dillard Alumnus. He earned his DVM, a MS in Microbiology, and a second B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences at Tuskegee University. He was commissioned as an... Read More →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Lantana Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Sessions, Strong Orgs & Leaders

River Rally 2026