Unifying Voices, Mobilizing Action: A Collective Vision for Black Philanthropy

In today's complex political and social landscape, collective impact is more crucial than ever. When organizations unite around a shared vision and aligned action, they can create transformative change that resonates within the communities they serve. This collective effort is the driving force behind Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) 2024 as we work and envision a powerful future for Black giving and social finance. 

Inclusive leadership and strategic action are critical to turning vision into reality. ABFE, alongside its members the Saint Luke's Foundation of Cleveland and Blue Shield of California Foundation, work to ensure that community voices are central to decision-making, while mobilizing resources to drive impactful change. Each organization brings unique strengths, yet they are united in their commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Black communities. When ABFE members work together, they not only elevate their individual missions but also amplify the collective power of philanthropy.    

 ABFE's Commitment to Racial Equity 

For over 53 years, ABFE has championed racial equity and empowered Black communities through initiatives we uplifted this Black Philanthropy Month: 

• Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative (READI): This initiative supports foundations and nonprofits dedicated to race-explicit grantmaking and programming, equipping them to navigate challenges while maintaining their commitment to racial equity. 
• Black Women in Philanthropy Leadership Retreat: A sacred space for Black women leaders to reconnect with their purpose and emerge rejuvenated, addressing the demands of the philanthropic sector. 
• Philanthropic Advising Services (PAS): Offering workshops on reparative justice and emphasizing reparations to Black communities, PAS helps institutions embed racial equity into their policies and cultures. 
• Funder Collaborative: Convening Black foundation CEOs to address social and economic inequities, these collaboratives promote advocacy and combat anti-Black racism nationwide. 

Each of these initiatives reflects ABFE’s commitment to building a future where racial equity is central to philanthropy. ABFE's leadership in these areas provides a model for how organizations can embed racial equity into their core operations and community engagements. 

Blue Shield of California Foundation: Advancing Health Equity and Justice 

At Blue Shield of California Foundation, our mission is to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence, focusing on marginalized communities. We support Black-led organizations like California Black Freedom Fund, BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth), Expecting Justice, and the Abundant Birth Project. These partnerships address mental health disparities, restorative justice, and maternal health equity, aligning with ABFE’s commitment to racial equity. Other initiatives include: 

• Mental Health and Restorative Justice Initiatives: Their partnership with BEAM focuses on mental health education and training for community leaders to address trauma. Collaboration with RJOY promotes restorative justice practices for domestic violence survivors and families in Oakland, ensuring a trauma-informed approach that aligns with the broader goals of racial equity. 
• SHINE Project (Safety and Healing Networks of Equity): This collaborative effort led by Prevention Institute supports community-driven, culturally specific initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of domestic violence, such as gender and economic inequity and racism. The project fosters holistic youth and family support, promotes housing and economic justice, and champions community-based intergenerational healing. 

Blue Shield of California Foundation also works to unify voices by fostering partnerships among grantees, ensuring diverse perspectives from the Black community and other communities of color are integrated into decision-making processes. By supporting Black-led organizations, they amplify advocacy efforts and push for systemic policy reforms that address inequities. 

Saint Luke's Foundation: Elevating Community Voices 

The Saint Luke’s Foundation of Cleveland focuses on elevating the voices within the predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods it serves, ensuring that their health and well-being are prioritized through collective action. With racial equity at the core of its philanthropic practices, the Foundation has redefined its approach to embrace trust-based philanthropy and equitable grantmaking. 

• Commitment to BIPOC Leadership: Since 2019, Saint Luke’s Foundation has embedded community voices into its work, ensuring grantmaking reflects the needs and aspirations of those it serves. In the past year alone, 71% of the Foundation’s grants were awarded to organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). This focus on BIPOC leadership helps to ensure that the communities served are integral to the development of solutions that directly impact their health outcomes. 
• Resident Advancement Committee and Lift Every Voice 216: The Resident Advancement Committee comprises neighborhood residents who manage and award the Foundation’s community discretionary budget. Since 2021, they have awarded over $300,000 to support neighborhood-led projects that enhance community health and well-being. The Lift Every Voice 216 initiative captures resident needs and aspirations, integrating their input into the Foundation's funding strategy. By hosting neighborhood dialogues and recognizing local organizations with grants, the Foundation ensures community-driven solutions are prioritized. 

Saint Luke’s Foundation's commitment to racial equity aligns with ABFE’s mission of collective impact in philanthropy. By fostering new relationships and providing strategic partnerships, the Foundation amplifies the capacity of organizations rooted in the neighborhoods it serves, furthering its vision for an equitable future. 

Collective Commitments for 2025 and Beyond 

In 2025, each organization is committed to concrete actions that align with their missions.  

ABFE will: 

1. Expand the READI initiative to include the rollout of a narrative campaign further supporting the sector in supporting race-explicit grantmaking.
2. Continue the engagement and empowerment of Black women in philanthropy through the Black Women in Philanthropy Leadership Retreat. 
3. Strengthen Philanthropic Advising Services to help institutions embed racial equity into their organizational practices. 

Saint Luke’s Foundation will: 

1. Prioritize incorporating neighborhood voices into the grantmaking process to support Black philanthropy within communities. 
2. Establish new opportunities for residents to communicate their needs and aspirations. 
3. Explore additional ways to support organizations most closely connected to the neighborhoods they serve. 

Blue Shield of California Foundation is dedicated to: 

1. Raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of domestic violence. 
2. Deepening partnerships with organizations to promote sustainable, long-term support for racial and health equity. 
3. Encouraging more people to participate in achieving health equity and ending domestic violence. 

Looking Ahead: A Unified Vision for Impact 

ABFE, Saint Luke's Foundation, and Blue Shield of California Foundation are united in their commitment to transformative change. We are collectively forging a more powerful and equitable future for the communities we serve. Our separate but parallel efforts are a testament to the strength of unified action, demonstrating that when we come together, we can make a lasting impact for generations to come. 

These actions demonstrate a unified commitment to racial equity, community empowerment, and systemic change.