The traditional, default rules of institutional grantmaking were largely designed for and by people in the Global North. As foundations try to pivot to locally-led initiatives, it is likely the longstanding rules defining how to cultivate, secure, and maintain institutional funding require evaluation. This panel will explore the perspective of proximate leaders who regularly navigate the “dance” of institutional funding. Some panelists are new to this role, having taken over from someone from the Global North. Other panelists will be longstanding leaders of community-based organizations. What feedback and insights do they have for foundations seeking to engage directly with them?