Five Questions for Incoming Executive Director
J. Bob Alotta

Incoming Executive Director J. Bob Alotta.

Incoming Executive Director J. Bob Alotta answers five questions about how Astraea can continue to take the lead as a public foundation in the landscape of philanthropy and social change.

Q. How can Astraea remain innovative and increase its philanthropic advocacy?

As we move into the second decade of the 21st century, the need for resources to fund LGBTI social change has only increased. Astraea is poised to play an innovative role in the philanthropic and social justice worlds based on its extensive expertise and unique position. The role of the intermediary is far from obsolete; it simply needs to remain innovative. People interface with intermediaries all the time and understand them to be inherently successful and relevant: Amazon and Kickstarter are two perfect examples of intermediaries who rely on each other (did you know Kickstarter uses Amazon technology to process their payments?) in order to serve/sell/support their constituents. They have grown by presenting old ideas of shopping and patronage in new ways—aggregate platforms that serve as conduits. Astraea is positioned to present new opportunities for giving to LGBTI social change organizations on a mass scale. Because Astraea’s constituency includes LGBTI funders, women’s foundations worldwide and progressive social justice philanthropies, who better to lead a syndicate of funding partners towards transformative social change?

Q. How can Astraea expand its role in institutional philanthropy?

Astraea is exceptionally positioned to expand its work with larger foundations to increase their understanding and thereby funding of LGBTI issues. Just as social justice advocacy cuts across multiple genres (organizing, the arts, public policy reform, etc.) Astraea can expand its role as the bridge across funding and advocacy lines. If Astraea becomes a thought leader in arenas that do not immediately conceive of the implications for women, lesbians and transgender people, Astraea will transform these sectors to be more engaging and inclusive of our constituency. For example, whereas a number of foundations may fund economic justice programs, were Astraea to make the links to the wealth disparities faced by lesbians and transgender people specifically, and include the working poor and non-professional gays, then Astraea becomes an echo chamber for a social justice framework that is redefined and truly progressive. Through this kind of advocacy, Astraea will cultivate partnerships and access funding that has heretofore been untapped.

Q. How can Astraea cultivate a growing base of individual donors?

Astraea donors are a diverse constituency who are engaged in the process of creating progressive change. True to Astraea’s vision of inclusive philanthropy, we will harness the collective impact of gifts from the largest to the smallest, and emphasize the inclusion of both people with wealth and working class people as philanthropists. We are charged with the dual task of crafting innovation in the advocacy sector and growing the next generation of philanthropists to support it. We need a robust communications strategy that will broadcast this message and activate our supporters to spread the word about Astraea’s amazing programmatic work.

Q. What is your vision for Astraea’s place in progressive social change agendas worldwide?

Cross-movement building is already an anchor tenet of Astraea’s mission. It is the basis for expanding our donor base and the vehicle by which institutional funders will understand Astraea as crucial. We must champion coalition and ensure that the concerns of our constituents are included in progressive dialogues. We need to continue to emphasize the intersections of larger progressive efforts with platforms for LGBTI social justice and human rights. This engagement must happen globally, and deepen the connections that Astraea is building across nation-state lines. We will need to continue to communicate the parallels between our national and international grantees’ struggles and the circumstances that produce them. Astraea is positioned to lead this trend and name its importance.

Q. Any other thoughts on assuming leadership of this 33-year-old foundation?

It is an exciting moment when an organization gets to evaluate its incredible accomplishments and recognize its sustained relevancy. Likewise, it’s a rare opportunity for an individual to be asked to step in with their best self and grow the possibility of enduring social change. I look forward to joining Astraea and committing our collective strength, voice and vision to revolutionary transformation.

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