Maartje Eigeman (Democracy & Media Foundation) and Michael Kourabas (UUSC) share their reflections and thoughts about EDGE journey while they step into their role of EDGE Board Co-Chairs. 

Dear EDGE Community,

We’re writing to you today with mixed feelings: excitement for the future and deep appreciation for the past. We are holding tremendous grief over the continued atrocities committed by the State of Israel against the people of Palestine – what the International Court of Justice has deemed a plausible genocide – and the failure of the international community to adequately respond. We continue to believe in the power of social movements working for systemic change, and in EDGE’s role helping funders accompany those movements– including the movement for Palestinian liberation.

Today, we would like to celebrate the work done by Eva Rehse (Global Greengrants Foundation) and Ryan Canney (Wellspring Philanthropic Fund), who are transitioning out of their role as Co-Chairs of the EDGE Board, and we, Maartje Eigeman (Democracy & Media Foundation) and Michael Kourabas (UUSC), are humbled to take the reins.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Eva and Ryan for their incredible contributions to EDGE. Together with the EDGE Board, Steering Groups and Staff, Eva and Ryan played a key role during EDGE’s executive transition period, ensuring continuity and supporting steps to make EDGE a more participatory and members-led organization. We’re also thrilled that Eva will continue to lend her expertise as the Secretary of the Board, and we’re grateful for Sharon Damelio’s (WhyHunger) continued leadership as Treasurer.

Now, let’s talk about what’s next for EDGE! We’re particularly excited about the future of our governance and structure. While our search for an Executive Director in the spring and summer of 2023 did not, ultimately, lead to a new ED for EDGE, we believe an important opportunity and learning has emerged since then. As a result, the Board agreed with a proposal by the European Steering Group and EDGE members to launch a Structure Working Group (SWG) in February 2024, a collaborative effort to design a new organizational structure and governance model that truly reflects EDGE’s values.

The SWG will operate in layers. A core team will steer the process, timeline, and communication, while a wider “sounding board” will consist of volunteers from across our fantastic network, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. This broader group may even be further subdivided based on specific needs as we progress.

But that’s not all! In the coming months, the Board will also be defining clear procedures for future Board elections. We’ll soon be reaching out to invite new members to join us and help co-create the future of EDGE.

This progression towards a member-led future is a key moment for EDGE. It’s a chance for everyone to be involved, to share their ideas, and to shape our path forward together. This collaborative, participatory, and inclusive approach embodies the very values we hold dear at EDGE. We believe it will not only strengthen our network but also position us as a leader in supporting systemic change and truly “walking the talk” when it comes to governance and structure.

We firmly believe that by working together, we can continue to build a thriving and impactful organization that reflects our shared values. We encourage members to actively participate in the SWG and share your ideas.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support for EDGE. We look forward to building a stronger and brighter future together.

With gratitude,

Maartje Eigeman & Michael Kourabas
Co-Chairs, EDGE Board of Directors