The WISE Fund’s Post

Excellent report https://lnkd.in/g29BYKTv by Center for Effective Philanthropy report about the impact of large, unrestricted grants on nonprofits. Insightful findings about the ways these types of grants influence the operation and performance of nonprofits. In addition, this report offers fresh data about how other funders experience this approach. One of most striking findings: "three-quarters of the interviewed funders express concern about nonprofits’ ability to handle large, unrestricted gifts." I hope these funders read the report and reflect on & revise their assumptions. Not perfect, for sure, and part of an ecosystem of funding approaches that makes this approach work (i.e., other funders adding value of various kinds)--a point highlighted in a Center for Effective Philanthropy blog by Ruth Levine a few years ago--but so many funders' fears are just unfounded. Let me add a meta finding suggested by CEPs insights (which CEP alludes to gently): on average, funders underestimate nonprofits' capabilities and strategic acumen & overestimate their own value-added. Kudos to CEP from bringing data to bear on these questions.

Please join me at an event on 7 March to discuss decolonising philanthropy, From the Mind to the Heart: A Discussion About Belonging, Trust-Based Philanthropy, and Decolonised Giving.   In this insightful discussion, Mide Akerewusi will share crucial findings of his recent research From the Mind to the Heart. This two-part report launched last year, explores how corporations and foundations are falling short on implementing their own principles of Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (JAIDE) in their philanthropic practices. This conversation is for grant makers and philanthropy professionals who want to change current systems and practices that exclude the full participation of talented and diverse Aboriginal, Black, and Brown people, as well as other marginalised groups.   Expanding on proven North American equity approaches, Mide will outline actionable person-centred solutions available to those who are committed to championing diversity strategies, building belonging within their organisations, empowering their philanthropy and community investment teams, and decolonising the power structures traditionally enforced by individual, corporate and foundation philanthropists.   Please register at https://lnkd.in/ex_aVqNa

“A Focus On Collaboration…the biggest, brightest work we do is always in community, and it’s always collective.” So much of this article held my attention, and I was particularly pleased to see a focus on collaboration. What are your thoughts after reading it? #collaboration #philanthropy #communitywellbeing #consciouscollaboration

In honor of #NationalBlackPhilanthropyMonth, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the importance of giving back. From philanthropic efforts to community-driven giving initiatives, there are numerous impactful ways to invest in the black community. Gain insight on how best to get involved with philanthropic efforts for Black Philanthropy Month by checking out this article. #GiveBack #Philanthropy

CHALLENGES BLACK-LED ORGANIZATIONS FACE IN ACCESSING RESOURCES Philanthropy stands as a crucial bridge between resources and needs. However, not all players in the philanthropic field are on equal footing. Despite their profound understanding of and dedication to marginalized communities, Black-led organizations need help accessing resources. The Multifaceted Challenges 1. Networking and Relationship Gaps: A significant disparity exists in the established relationships between Black-led organizations and major foundations and donors (Bugg-Levine & Jenkins, 2021). 2. Preference for Established Names: Many foundations and donors gravitate towards larger, established nonprofits with recognizable names, sidelining nascent, Black-led grassroots groups (Thomas, 2020). 3. Complex Grant Processes: The intricacies of grant applications and burdensome reporting requirements can overwhelm organizations without extensive administrative support (Perry, 2017). 4. Restricted Funding: Constraints on how donations can be utilized limit Black-led organizations' adaptability (King, 2018). 5. The Pressure of Continuous Fundraising: The need for multi-year funding commitments propels Black-led nonprofits into an incessant fundraising cycle (Renz, 2019). 6. Wealth Disparities: Systemic wealth disparities in Black communities affect philanthropic efforts (Dorsey & Bradach, 2019). 7. Implicit Biases: Negative biases and deficit perceptions can overshadow the real successes of Black-led organizations (Hankerson, 2020). 8. Representation Void in Foundation Leadership: Foundation leadership often needs more representation, which can result in misunderstood or overlooked needs (Villanueva, 2018). Cumulative Impacts: These barriers significantly affect the capacity and reach of Black-led nonprofits, constraining their effectiveness in philanthropy. Conclusion: Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by Black-led organizations is paramount to harness the potential of philanthropy. #BlackLedOrganizations #PhilanthropyChallenges #EquitableFunding #NonprofitSector #SystemicBarriers #InclusivePhilanthropy #DiversityInFunding #ResourceAccess #GrassrootsFunding #ChangeTheNarrative

Philanthropic activity is intrinsic to strengthening nonprofit organizations and to helping them achieve their missions. Black Philanthropy has been a backbone of the nonprofit sector and Black Philanthropy Month is a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. We are proud to share this beautifully written and poignant article by David McGoy, CFRE, Director of Strategic Growth, Cause Effective, “It’s Time to Reframe Philanthropy” where he stresses that fundraising is certainly critical, but encompasses more: “…philanthropy is about far more than money. Love of humanity is expressed in many ways – through empathy, kindness, advocacy, ambassadorship, allyship, volunteerism, and in-kind support, among others. If we are ever going to significantly change the world for the better, we have to embrace these broader principles…” Read full article ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e8rKz8yP We share “It’s Time to Reframe Philanthropy” in the hopes that when we envision existing systems, including philanthropy, through broader lenses, we evolve into a more inclusive and stronger sector and community.  Thank you to our member organizations for all they do in this area, including, but not limited to: Association of Development Officers, Grant Professionals of Lower Hudson, Volunteer New York!, African American Men of Westchester, and Sister to Sister International #blackphilanthropymonth #philanthropy #nonprofits #equity #fundraising

Did you know that according to a seminal 2023 study by PIPA of the Brazilian (bit.ly/PIPABlackWomen) nonprofit and philanthropy sector: Almost 80% of Brazil’s nonprofit founders and individual philanthropists are Black women? But most Black Brazilian nonprofits operate on $1,000 USD or less a year but still manage to serve from 500-5000 people effectively in their community each year? And Black Brazilian-founded, led, and serving nonprofits receive paltry support from private, institutional philanthropy? As is the case throughout the Americas, grassroots giving and nonprofits are a lifeline for Black communities. But they are underfunded. Black Brazilians face an urgent racial equity crisis now. They can’t wait for large Brazilian institutional philanthropies to “do the right thing.” International donors of all means can make a difference with their time, talent, treasure, and voice. This #GivingTuesday, donate or pledge to Black Philanthropy Month’s Brazil Campaign to help us raise $50,000 USD for five groundbreaking Black Brazilian community funders and service organizations. The WISE Fund, Black Philanthropy Month’s 501(c)(3) public charity backbone organization, will double your gift for an even greater impact. Join us today to #makeequityreal with true philanthropy for all humanity, including #loveinaction for Black Brazilians.

"I have raised more than $100M in funding for communities of color locally, nationally, and globally. However, these wins come with a significant emotional toll. I know that my presence is often viewed as a threat before I have even asked for funding. I must jump through intellectual, mental, and emotional hurdles to get a seat at the table. And once I get there, I often have to bring my own chair, explain where I got it from, prove that I didn’t take it from someone else, and then smile to put everyone at ease". This is POWERFUL. You all gotta check this new blog out: Liberating Nonprofits: A Black, Woman Fundraiser's Perspective.

🔔 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 👏.

We loved this article! Instead of deficit-based framing in grant writing, we can highlight the awesome potential of the human spirit, existing cultural treasures, and the creativity and wisdom of the Black community. Grant writers, what are your favorite asset-based descriptors for the communities you serve?