The WISE Fund’s Post

Celebrating the Brilliance of Black Women this International Women's Day!  This International Women's Day (IWD), at MDS, we honor the resilience, brilliance, and boundless potential of Black women everywhere. As we aim to expand globally, our mission aligns perfectly with the UN theme for IWD: "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress." Why Invest in Black Women?  By investing in the mentorship and growth of Black women, we empower individuals and propel progress towards a more inclusive and equitable future.    Our Impactful Programs   Through MDS, we invest in the skills, development, and opportunities of young Black women by connecting them with professional Black women to be mentors. This creates a ripple effect of positive change, extending beyond individuals to communities and industries worldwide. How Can You Get Involved?  Become an MDS Mentor: Help shape the future of young Black women by becoming a mentor. Support Financially: Your donation can make a real difference in empowering Black women. Every contribution counts towards creating brighter futures.   Partner with Us: Explore partnership opportunities with MDS as we strive to foster social mobility and create equitable opportunities for all. Share Your Insights: Contact us to share your ideas, collaborate, and join hands in making a lasting impact. Visit our website https://lnkd.in/eEBuyRrH

It is well past time to invest in Black women - in the private sector, and in the nonprofit arena as well. "The uneven philanthropic access and investment levels for Black women and BIPOC-led solutions at every stage are well-documented. And the short-term impact is clear: immediate solutions are funded on shoe-string budgets diminishing scale of impact. Black women leaders remain in a toxic cycle of piecing together small and short-term grants to solve centuries-long challenges." https://lnkd.in/gy4hjCAn

Amplifying Black women’s voices in the nonprofit environmental sector drives our work, our business choices, and our personal “whys.” It’s just what we do. This Black History Month, join us in following organizations that honor the extraordinary contributions of Black women in this space, in particular Black In Marine Science, Non-Profit Organization, The Green Obsidian, and Black Girl Environmentalist. What other environmental organizations celebrate the voices of Black women? Let us know in the comments. #Blackhistorymonth #racialequity #nonprofitleadership

“Black women and girls have long imagined and built solutions that propel our nation forward with limited capital. But right now we have the opportunity to break a vicious cycle of burnout, unfair expectations, and unsustainable solutions. Solving deep, systemic issues requires us to expand our thinking outside of the confines that have long been set. It requires us to tap into our full imaginations and dream of bigger, deeper, and more sustained solutions.” We are honored to call Gabrielle Wyatt a friend, partner, and Guardian supporter. Check out her powerful Stanford Social Innovation Review article on the critical need for the philanthropic sector to invest in dream capital for Black women leaders if we are to realize transformative, multi-generational change: https://lnkd.in/eAbfcPvg

The project management industry, like many others, presents a myriad of obstacles for black women looking to enter the field. Systemic biases and stereotypes continue to create barriers for these talented professionals, hindering their progress and limiting their opportunities for growth and success. Despite their skills and expertise, black women face unique challenges and must navigate a landscape that often fails to recognize and support their contributions. But, with determination and perseverance, they continue to break down these barriers and make their mark in the industry. It's time for a change. Together, we can create a more equitable and thriving environment for everyone. You can be a part of it by donating to our mission https://lnkd.in/drFSTNtc

“To invest in a more sustainable, just and equitable world, we need to recognize and treat Black women as leaders, and as such, invest in supporting and sustaining them in their work.“ - Gabrielle Wyatt, founder of The Highland Project Black women have historically driven social progress despite being marginalized by the systems they aim to change. However, they are often seen as short-term assets rather than creators of lasting change. This approach takes a toll on their well-being. Recent years have brought pledges for racial justice, but many fell short, leaving Black women facing burnout and systemic biases. To achieve transformative change, we must sustain Black women as human beings leading multi-generational shifts. The culture of philanthropy needs an evolution, moving beyond short-term funding and investing in solutions that endure. Let's empower Black women with the resources they deserve to create lasting solutions, propelling us forward together. https://wkkf.co/nhjc

Be sure to catch this crucial online event hosted by the Nonprofit Quarterly (NPQ)! Racial Equity Backlash: The Response from Black Leaders & the Mandate for Action Live on May 30th, 2024: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern *an email from Zoom will be sent as the date approaches for the live event.* Black leaders are facing unprecedented threats in today's political climate, with recent Supreme Court rulings undermining voting rights and affirmative action. The resulting backlash against racial equity and DEI initiatives, coupled with shifting philanthropic priorities, is putting immense pressure on Black-led organizations' budgets. But there's hope! This NPQ webinar brings together Black organizational and philanthropic leaders to share insights and strategies for resilience. Learn how Black leaders are navigating these challenges and discover actionable recommendations for the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to better support Black leadership. Don't miss this timely session: 🔍 Recent research on Black leaders and organizations 📊 Analysis of backlash trends and implications 💡 Effective responses by nonprofits and philanthropy 📣 Calls to action to support Black leaders and organizations Mark your calendar and register now! Visit the following website for registration and FAQs: https://loom.ly/vf9cuUk #SupportBlackLeaders #Philanthropy #NonprofitSector #RacialEquity #DEI

“Despite their leadership, Black women’s contributions are often ignored and their initiatives remain poorly funded. If we are to successfully navigate the intersecting crises we face today—including rising authoritarianism, inequality, and climate change—donors must better support their vital leadership.” Writing in Alliance magazine, our deputy CEO Brandee M. Butler explains how and why donors should direct more flexible funding to Black women-led organizations and elevate the critical contributions of their activism. Read the piece: https://lnkd.in/ePyDbEE7  Illustrating the scale of the problem, the Black Feminist Fund’s research found that funding for Black women, girls, and trans people amounts to less than 0.5% of overall global foundation giving. These funding disparities are part of a larger pathology of anti-Blackness and another form of the historical erasure of Black women activists from social movements. #philanthropy #humanrights #activism #blackwomen

Embracing Love in Action ❤️ Inspired by bell hooks' insights into the role of love in catalyzing social change, this year's Black Philanthropy Month theme, "Love in Action," resonates deeply with Black Voters Matter (BVM). Our mission is to empower marginalized Black communities, and we believe effective voting is a cornerstone of self-determination. Our approach goes beyond financial support; it's about advocacy, movement-building, and fostering community bonds. In 2022, we allocated nearly $10 million to 684 partners across 233 counties. This growth underscores the power of trust-based philanthropy, which strengthens grassroots organizations and amplifies racial justice work. Trust-based philanthropy relies on intermediaries like BVM to bridge the gap between donors and community groups. By removing barriers and streamlining reporting, we enable swift resource allocation to those who need it most. Racial justice is a continual journey, not a passing trend. As the landscape evolves, our commitment remains firm. Through trust, compassion, and collective action, we can build a more just and inclusive society. Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown Co-founders, Black Voters Matter https://lnkd.in/gQtfWMpC

🔍 The Impossible Dilemma of Black Female Leadership: The Tragedy of Nobody Seeing Us Even When Everybody’s Watching In her latest essay for Nonprofit Quarterly, Shauna Knox delves into the systemic suppression of Black women in leadership roles. From facing the 'Angry Black Woman' trope to the pressure of navigating predominantly White spaces, Knox’s piece is a critical read for understanding the real challenges and sacrifices Black women leaders endure. This article calls for urgent attention and bold philanthropic investment to support and empower Black female leaders, ensuring they have the resources and backing to thrive. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3Kwqupq #BlackWomenLead #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #SocialJustice #NonprofitLeadership #Philanthropy #Equity