This qualitative study explored the influence of racialized lived experiences (RLEs) on equitable decision-making among philanthropic leaders, employing a narrative inquiry approach. It examined how diversity within philanthropy, beyond tokenistic representation, can introduce a wide range of perspectives that enhance equitable decision-making processes. The study emphasized the significance of RLEs in philanthropic leadership and decision-making, despite potential institutional constraints on grant processes. Twenty philanthropic leaders from various backgrounds, including private and family foundations, community foundations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, participated in the study. Utilizing a critical race conceptual and theoretical framework, the researcher analyzed philanthropic leader's narratives of race, racism, and equity relative to equitable decision-making and grantmaking praxis. These narratives were collected through interviews framed as conversations, following the methodology suggested by Clandinin and Caine (2013). Participant stories were then transformed into biosketches to identify themes, metaphors, and epiphanies (Savin-Baden & Niekerk, 2007). Such methods allowed for a deep exploration of participants' stories, focusing on temporality, place, and sociality. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that participants' racial experiences, including direct discrimination and within-group racism, significantly influence their perspectives and decision-making in philanthropy. The study finds that a REPAIR ("Reparations," "Power," "Access," and "Institutional Resources") model, highlighting the institutional role in rectifying past injustices and shifting power dynamics is needed to enhance access to opportunities and close gaps in health and economic vitality. REPAIR is based on participants' interpretations of equity, which they distinguish from equality, emphasizing the need for language that accurately reflects the goal of addressing historical harms. Findings of Lived Experiences of Race, Racism, and Equity (LERR/E) and Vicarious Lived Experiences of Race, Racism, and Equity (VLERR/E) validate the conceptualization of Racialized Lived Experiences. Finally, the four study conclusions indicate both direct and vicarious experiences of racism affect philanthropic leaders' decision-making, suggesting that those with more frequent and intense experiences are more adept at making equitable decisions. Namely, the study concludes (a) Equitable decision-making is influenced by lived experiences of race and racism and equity (LERR/E) coupled with second-hand observations or vicarious lived experiences of race, racism, and equity (VLERR/E), intersectional identities (e.g., gender and age), and privilege; (b) Philanthropic leaders with both LERR/E and VLERR/E may be advantaged in making equitable decisions; (c) Leaders without direct LERR/E and only VLERR/E may be disadvantaged in making equitable decisions; (d) Generational differences in terms of ideology and political views of race, racism, and equity influence decision-making; and (e) Conceptual models are possible and offer a practical solution when direct and vicarious lived experience is or is not present on a decision-making team and when there are barriers to incorporating lived experiences in an institutional setting. The researcher devised three conceptual models depicting probable relationship between variables LERR/E and VLERR/E (as proxies for "interests" based on interest convergence theory) with empathy and intuition as requisite for equitable decision-making. It illustrates how such models are possible and future research can test the relationship between interest convergence and equitable decision-making for varied racialized lived experiences and vicarious lived experiences. Future studies consist of intersectional identities, employing quantitative designs, examining organizational culture and behavior, and aim for a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of racialized experiences on philanthropic decision-making. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]