Sara Mersha

Sara Mersha

Sara Mersha is Co-Executive Director of Grassroots International. Her work in this role builds upon more than thirteen prior years of experience as Director of Grantmaking and Advocacy at Grassroots International, through which she built and maintained long-term relationships with partner organizations and social movements led by peasants, Indigenous Peoples, Black and Afrodescendant communities, women, and youth in the Global South. She also coordinated Grassroots International’s social action work.

Sara is a member of Movement Family Farm, a collectively owned Black organic farm located in NH. Most importantly, she is a mama to Ayana and stepmom to Grace, who are her greatest teachers.

Redefining philanthropy’s purpose and role by centering social movements

Journal Article

This essay delves into the pivotal relationship between philanthropy and social movements, challenging traditional paradigms. Emphasizing the need for philanthropy to move beyond mere funding and engage in true allyship with movements, the authors envision a praxis of solidarity philanthropy rooted in liberation.