If we are not careful, many of our efforts to “shift power” in international philanthropy will not actually shift anything.

Over the past several years, philanthropy for international aid and development has begun experimenting with increasing approaches to shifting power. This is to be commended. Trusting and funding locally born, raised, and reputed organizations, longer term, flexible funding, and participation are all critically important, but if we are truly going to shift power we must be honest with ourselves and each other about what it really looks like.