The hosts of Gulp Podcast, Maureen Sebastian and Risa Sarachan, journey down the rabbit hole to learn all about North Star Fund, questioning whether they are the right people to be hosting this podcast, being new to the North Star Fund world of social justice philanthropy. But first thing’s first: as newcomers, they ask, “So... what exactly does North Star Fund do?” 

Risa and Maureen try to wrap their heads around the fact that they have to 1) decolonize wealth and power, and 2) do it in unanticipated places, like philanthropy. They enter into “The Master’s House”: those mahogany paneled rooms of traditional philanthropy, only to feel overwhelmed, unwelcome, and unsure. They have to ask: how does North Star Fund make their process, their resources, and their community accessible to grassroots organizers who have to navigate the intimidating world of philanthropy. 

Global pandemic. Worldwide protests. And yet. North Star Fund distributes $1.7 million in a short period of time. And yet. Communities receive critically needed resources with the help of funds given out from the Future of Organizing Fund. And yet. The Black-led organizing supported by the Let Us Breathe Fund continues and achieves significant successes in its march for justice. But, like so many Americans, Maureen and Risa realize that they have allowed these underserved communities to go unnoticed for so long and now deepen their resolve to meet these inequities head-on.