Our Approach

At Imago Dei, we approach our work with curiosity, humility and a spirit of good partnership.

Image courtesy of The Freedom Story

We believe that transformative change starts with trust and authentic relationships. Through flexible and multi-year funding, we support our partners in leading, innovating, and making a lasting difference in their communities.

At the core of our approach is a deep commitment to relational, trust-based practices including:

Our Geographic Focus

Greater Boston Area / US
Haiti
East Africa
Southeast Asia
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Greater Boston Area / US

As part of our commitment to being good neighbors in our home base of Boston, we support partners within the greater Boston area, with a special focus on organizations serving the local Haitian community. Our Deacon’s Fund partners are all located in the greater Boston area.

We fund domestically where there are organizations with meaningful ties to our work in Boston, and high alignment with our values, including ecosystem support.

74
partners work in this region.
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Haiti

In the Caribbean, we partner with organizations primarily working in Haiti.

15
partners work in Haiti.
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East Africa

In East Africa, we partner with organizations primarily working in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Malawi.

74
partners work in this region.
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Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, we partner with organizations primarily working in Thailand and Cambodia. Many of our partners in this region are deeply engaged in combating human trafficking.

15
partners work in this region.

Our Grantmaking Lenses

Supporting Women and Girls to Thrive

Our dedication to centering the needs, rights, and agency of women and girls is deeply rooted in the conviction of the power they hold to advance social change and a recognition that harmful gender-based practices, often reinforced by patriarchal norms, must be addressed.

Recognizing the Power of Faith

We recognize the power of faith actors as an important lever to promote positive change and undo harmful patriarchal norms. By partnering with faith-based and secular change agents alike, we seek to build bridges in a polarized world and challenge norms that hinder progress.

Community-Driven Change

Everyone has a role to play in making the world a better place but what excites us most is change led by people working for change in their own communities. Our dedication to visionary leaders who are rooted in and accountable to their communities stems from a recognition that they often bring personal conviction, long-term commitment, and powerful solutions to systemic problems facing their communities.

Care for Creation

We believe that caring for our planet is urgent, essential, and requires attention by all. We also know that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly women and girls, and their ability to thrive and flourish. It is important to us that organizations seek to do their part to create a climate safe world and look for opportunities to build climate resilience in the communities that they serve.

Application Approach

At Imago Dei Fund, we build relationships through our networks and established partnerships, rather than accept unsolicited applications. This allows us to:

  • Understand how we can most effectively contribute to the larger ecosystem.
  • Nurture and sustain multi-year partnerships and funding.
  • Reduce the burden on organizations seeking funding.

Selection Criteria

Our grantmaking is guided by our commitment to supporting organizations that align with our mission, values, and strategic vision of women and girls thriving.

Basic Eligibility

Geographic Alignment

Grantmaking Lens Alignment

Organizational Alignment

Additional Special Funds

Deacon’s Fund

When our founders began their philanthropic journey, they started by supporting faith partners in Boston who through their proximity to the community, provide holistic and compassionate support while addressing the community’s needs. Through the Deacon’s Fund we continue to support these legacy partners in the Greater Boston Area. 

Contemplative Fund

The Contemplative Fund reflects our commitment to the inner work of change. Our Contemplative Fund partners provide resources for spiritual growth and reconciliation work across diverse faith and social contexts.

“Alone we can do so little.
Together we can do so much.”

Helen Keller