Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation’s Post

Before #BlackPhilanthropyMonth ends, let’s get real . . . I’ve been in the room when there are discussions about how to connect with Black #donors. My first reaction is always, well, disgust and anger if I’m being completely transparent. IMO, that question is coming from an assumption that there is something inherently different about donors who are Black. As if we’re some type of strange sub-human population and to connect with us would require some unique roadmap. It ignores the real issues at hand and deflects from those by introducing an assumption that the Black community doesn’t give and therefore turns the focus into how to active us. But, the thing is, the Black community absolutely DOES give. In fact, the data shows that Black households give 25% more of their income than white households in the U.S. (https://lnkd.in/eezAKkAP) So, if the issue is not a need to activate the Black community, why is your organization struggling with a low number of Black donors? Let’s start simple.   If your organization doesn’t have Black donors, you're probably facing the same challenges that you are with any other donor population: 1. Are you asking? 2. Does your message resonate? 3. Do they trust you to give to you? Now let’s get real. 1. You probably aren’t asking, and if you are, your asks are cold. If you lack relationships within the Black community, it’s going to be that much more challenging to make asks of that community. 2. Your message probably isn’t going to reach, much less resonate, with people you have little to no interaction with. 3. Like any donor, trust is a necessary component of giving. For a donor to determine if they should invest in an organization they are not familiar with, it will require research. From the most financially savvy philanthropists to amateur donors, it’s likely they will take two initial steps: 1. seek out someone they know and trust who knows and trusts the organization and will vouch for it. 2. Take a look at who is on the staff and board to see if the organization’s leadership is trustworthy. ***********************Your organization’s values, including in PEOPLE, are strongly communicated by the diversity of your staff and board.**************************** The thing is folks, Black people give generously and the Black community is full of professionals who are great assets to organizations’ leadership staff and board of directors. If your organization lacks diversity, it’s obvious and so is the probability of why. That reason needs to be dealt with head-on if you’re truly trying to solve your issues with a disconnect from Black philanthropists. #nonprofit #thoughleadership #fundraising #donorengagement #donorrelations #development

Amidst the 2020 turmoil, on Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, the Black Resilience in Colorado Fund (BRIC) was born. Led by Colorado Black community leaders, BRIC stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and determination of Black communities to take charge of their own destinies. BRIC's inception marked not just a moment but a long-term commitment to eradicate systemic oppression by investing in and directing resources to build community equality and equity. During the time following the murder of George Floyd, we watched a national frenzy of pledges and promises of support from corporations and foundations. Yet, their actions have fallen short of their words and commitments. The fulfillment of support has been a mere fraction of what was promised. Data reveals the stark truth: out of the $50 billion pledged, only about 5% has materialized, according to a report by The Washington Post, leaving Black-led and Black-serving organizations struggling to fulfill their mission. This failure to deliver on these promises has exacerbated (again) efforts to end the challenges faced by Black communities, particularly backsliding across economic and political gains. The urgency of this situation is further compounded by the plight of Black-led and serving nonprofits, which were encouraged to expand their programs and operations in response to increased needs and initial pledges. These organizations face shrinking resources today as philanthropic focus shifts to the "next shiny thing," jeopardizing progress and hindering future efforts. In the face of these challenges, the work of the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund is more critical than ever. BRIC is paving the way for a more just and equitable society by addressing systemic barriers and investing in initiatives that empower Black voices and solutions. As BRIC celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, it stands as a testament to Black communities' unwavering spirit despite ongoing struggles. However, the Fund cannot do it alone. It relies on the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to fulfill its mission to make meaningful change. Therefore, we invite you to join us in this crucial endeavor. By giving your 5Ts - time, talent, treasure, testimony, or social ties, your contribution to the BRIC Fund can make a tangible difference in the lives of Black individuals and communities. Let us honor the promises made and uphold our commitment to racial justice. Let us stand in solidarity with Black communities and work towards a future where equality and equity are not just ideals but realities for all. The time to act is now. Join us in building a more resilient, equitable, and just Colorado and beyond – BRIC by BRIC! Source: The Washington Post - "Corporate America pledged $50 billion after George Floyd's death. Where did it go?" #BRICFundCO #Juneteenth #4thAnniversary #KeepingPromises #RacialJustice #GiveBlack #BRICbyBRIC

Mayor’s Weekly Update: Mayor’s message: Attention Pawtucket Community, If you're a small business owner who has experienced a decrease in net or gross revenue from 2019 to 2022, we encourage you to apply for the Small Business Relief Grant Program. Eligible businesses with 25 employees or fewer could receive up to $20,000 in assistance. To apply or for specific questions, please contact pawtucketgms@iparametricsds.com or call 401-519-7580. Let's support our local businesses! Upcoming Notices: - Call for Photo Contest Theme for 2025 Calendar. Submit theme ideas to Patricia S. Zacks at psz333@aol.com by Friday, February 9, 2024. - Pawtucket Police Department Kind Hearts Campaign: Personalize a valentine and drop it off at Police Headquarters by Feb 12th to spread joy to local seniors. Girl Scout Troop 921 will be selling cookies in the City Hall Lobby from 11 am - 3 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024. This Week In Pawtucket: - Pawtucket is gearing up for the big game! Check out this story from Turn To 10. https://shorturl.at/cHOYZ  - Winter’s Student Wins $5,500 Feinstein Grant for school - DPW Celebrates American Heart Month by wearing red - Never Too Late to Make Friends. Check out this Warwick Beacon article https://lnkd.in/gJGmfvcU - Diversity and Inclusion: - Presented by the Pawtucket Commission on Arts and Culture, we kick off Black History Month with the city's inaugural Collaborative Community art gallery at City Hall - John Carter Minkins (1869-1959) was a Pawtucket Resident and a prolific Civil Rights Activist in Rhode Island. He is alleged to be the country’s first Black editor of a white-owned Newspaper. Community Spotlight: This week, the City spotlights Anita Lussier, a Pawtucket native. Amidst her personal battle with stage 4 breast cancer, she crochets caps for fellow patients. Veteran's Council Upcoming Events: FRIDAY, FEB 16- 25 Newport Winter Festival Location: Newport, RI, All day  WEDNESDAY, FEB 21, Can We Talk (Community Conversations on Trauma & Healing) Location: Open Table of Christ Church 1520 Broad Street Providence RI, 5:00pm 6:30pm  Friday, February 8th, 2:00PM, Pawtucket Veterans Council meeting, Major Walter G Gatchell, VFW Post 306, 171 Fountain Street, Pawtucket, RI  February 19th , Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 306 monthly meeting, 7PM, 171 Fountain St, Pawtucket, RI Thursday, February 23th , Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 306, Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, 4-7PM. Tickets available at the door  MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, Veterans Coffee Social Location: Warwick Library 600 Sandy Lane Warwick, RI 02889, 5:00pm 6:00pm Stay connected for more updates! https://lnkd.in/e2VJ4Mcr

Today marks the 30-day countdown to Black Philanthropy Month 2024–creating new, bolder #AfroFuturesofGiving. There’s much talk about funding inequity for women and Black people on LinkedIn. Instead of trying to level the playing field for all entrepreneurs, including qualified, inspiring, bootstrapping Black women entrepreneurs who only get a meager .03% of funding, the Supreme Court has targeted us. It’s trying to make it illegal to pool our resources to support each and other women—a basic right not denied to any other US demographic. The inherently racist and sexist nature of the ruling is proven by the fact that the white men almost exclusively supporting each other are not held accountable for true merit-based funding in anyway. We know that this Supreme Court majority is dedicated to sustaining the unjust status quo by any means necessary. Now it’s time to move from shell-shocked reaction to proactive, strategic collective action for our financing freedom and inclusion. #BlackPhilanthropyMonth is an ideal time to declare what you will do to ensure all Americans can exercise freedom of assembly and collective financing. Here are two #BPM2024 actions that you can take today to make a difference: 1. Celebrate Black Women Finance Innovators in philanthropy and venture funding by taking *just 5 minutes* to nominate someone for the Reunity: Black Women Give Back Award by *July 5th* at https://lnkd.in/eYp24YUB 2. Organize a Social Action for Black Philanthropy Month in August 2024. You’ll be joining millions of people worldwide documenting and uplifting our community finance traditions, raising public awareness of our civic contributions, and advocating for funding equity. Together we are a massive, multibillion dollar movement that can make a difference for our communities everywhere! Register your event or campaign on our website so that we can highlight it with this link, https://lnkd.in/e6F5uA6E Also, check out some ideas for your #BPM2024 August project https://lnkd.in/ebzeeNMK. Let’s build a mutually supportive, national and global economy of giving that changes the world for good for all, despite the backwards rulings of an obviously corrupt Supreme Court majority more interested in kickbacks than justice. Floyd Jones BackBlack Toya Randall Voice. Vision. Value. Black Women Leading Philanthropy GIFE ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities Adriana Barbosa Antonia Apolinario-Wilcoxon, Ed. D Tsehai Wodajo Nunu Kidane Ebonie Johnson Cooper Gillian Marcelle, PhD Fearless Fund

Black Philanthropists: Nurturing Change and Fostering Community-Centric Nonprofit Work Across the African Diaspora" In the mosaic of community-centric nonprofit work, black philanthropists stand as beacons of change, shaping the trajectory of programs and initiatives that resonate across the African diaspora. This blog delves into the impactful contributions of black philanthropists, exploring how their financial support, cultural preservation efforts, and commitment to empowering future generations are shaping the future of community-centric nonprofit work within the diverse tapestry of the African diaspora. Financial Support and Leadership: Black philanthropists wield a transformative influence through their financial support and leadership roles within the nonprofit sector. Their contributions go beyond monetary aid, providing essential resources for initiatives that confront systemic inequities and uplift communities. Across the African diaspora, this support becomes a catalyst for sustainable change, creating a ripple effect that reaches the heart of societal challenges. Shaping Systemic Change: Black philanthropists leverage their resources to advocate for systemic change, addressing root causes of inequities. This approach ensures that community-centric nonprofit work is not merely reactive but actively contributing to dismantling structures that perpetuate injustice. Fostering Sustainable Solutions: Financial support from black philanthropists enables nonprofits to implement sustainable solutions that resonate with the diverse needs of communities within the African diaspora. Whether addressing economic disparities, healthcare access, or educational opportunities, their influence helps build a foundation for long-term impact. Preserving Cultural Heritage: The rich tapestry of the African diaspora is woven with diverse cultures, traditions, and histories. Black philanthropists play a crucial role in preserving and promoting this cultural heritage through their support for a myriad of initiatives. Investing in Museums and Artistic Endeavors: From funding museums dedicated to African diasporic history to supporting artistic endeavors that showcase the vibrancy of black cultures, philanthropists contribute to the documentation and celebration of diverse cultural identities. Amplifying Voices Through Media: Black philanthropists recognize the power of media in shaping narratives. Their support for film, literature, and other media endeavors ensures that authentic stories from the African diaspora are amplified, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural nuances. Empowering Future Generations: Philanthropic efforts from the black community play a pivotal role in creating pathways for future generations within the African diaspora. By investing in education, mentorship programs, and initiatives that foster leadership skills, black philanthropists contribute to the cultivation of a new generation of change-makers.

"By compiling, contextualizing and publishing biographical and other historical information about the origins of philanthropic wealth, the stories of harm experienced by Black people become unavoidable and, more importantly, actionable – especially for funders with a commitment to racial equity or racial justice. Research that connects and centers stories of local Black communities can generate energy, opportunities and concrete actions for foundations to engage in reparations and healing efforts. This report is both an invitation and a roadmap for local foundations – studied and otherwise – to do exactly that. Although our immediate focus is the DMV, the methodology and recommendations can serve as a model for funders and activists in other cities and regions. In addition, we believe this framework and process has potential applications not just for philanthropy, but for those grappling with these questions in the public and private sectors as well." Executive Summary of National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy's report: Cracks in the Foundation, Philanthropy's Role in Reparations for Black People in the DMV.  

For Candid insights, in my conversation with Heather Infantry, Giving Gap's CEO, I dig into their newest report, the State of Black Nonprofits Report: 2024. Highlights include attributes of Black-founded nonprofits, the importance of funding them, the implications of the funding gap, and how they can best be supported. One key note: On average, Black-led nonprofits operate with revenues 24% lower than white-led ones. That's a $20 million funding gap. https://lnkd.in/dnwpxt2y

Important read!

“Grantmaking is not reparations. Moreover, given the Black funding gap, philanthropy has not adequately addressed the needs of Black communities, let alone repair the harm the sector has caused.” – Philanthropy must go beyond grantmaking to truly repair the harm caused by systemic racism. Understand how the sector can do more by downloading the report here: Cracks in the Foundation: https://bit.ly/4dPE6cx

🔔 NEW: We are thrilled to share an incredible blog "Liberating Nonprofits: A Black, Woman Fundraiser's Perspective" by Beth Leigh the Director of Development and Stewardship at Village of Wisdom. "In the labyrinth of nonprofit fundraising, Black-led organizations navigate a landscape often obscured by systemic inequities and disparities. It’s by design, though. The history of fundraising in the United States began through a lens of patriarchy, hierarchy, oppression, suppression, and classism." We must address that the disparities in funding for Black-led organizations not only undermines their ability to address the ever-changing needs for the communities they serve it further perpetuates a cycle of dependency on restrictive funding streams. Trust-based funders let's liberate and lead with purpose 👏.