Description: The twin pandemics of Covid-19 and anti-Black racism has illuminated the inequities face by Black communities. Foundations have served as funders and brokers for demanding equitable investment in Black people. We will learn from funders who have figured out how to unapologetically fund Black-led social change.
Session Format: Conversational
Moderator: Aisha Alexander-Young, Give Blck, ABFE Board
Presenters:
• Jamye Wooten, CLLCTIVLY
• Jonathan Cunningham, Seattle Foundation, REPAIR: Racially Equitable Philanthropy Aimed at Initiating Reparations
• LaDawn Sullivan, Denver Foundation, Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC)
• Rebecca Darwent, Foundation for Black Communities
REGISTER: https://whova.com/portal/registration/lever_202109
In the fall of 2011, ABFE launched Leverage the Trust (LTT) as an initiative to identify and engage 100 Black foundation trustees in our mission of promoting effective and responsive philanthropy in Black communities. Lead by a committee of current and former Black trustees of foundations, ABFE developed a plan to achieve a measure of success in the endeavor. We understood that we must first establish a credible presence among Black trustees (many of whom were unaware of the existence of the organization) and then gain an understanding of the perspective, needs and interests of Black trustees before developing broader programs or initiatives to engage or support this important constituency.
ABFE’s 2021 Leverage the Trust will offer a virtual space for Black Trustees to reflect, focus, strategize and commit to the role of what it means for Black Trustees in making philanthropy more responsive to Black communities. To do this, the convening will serve as a source of information and connection through virtual activities that facilitate respite, reflection, and reformation around your unique experiences as Black Foundation Trustees.
