REPRESENTATION MATTERS
ABFE is an example of what it means to create your own table.
Our story begins in 1971 when a small group of Black foundation executives was unwilling to accept a lack of Black representation in the Council of Foundation’s governing body. They spoke up, challenged the nomination process, and made a powerful decision: to create their own space where Black people in the sector would be centered and celebrated.
America Post the Civil Rights Movement
1970s
The 1970s emerged as an era of intense political conflict, dramatic economic transformation, and pivotal developments in American race relations. As a result, ABFE worked to improve the status of Black communities in the United States that were impacted by increasing employment, "ghettoization" and a shift in the American outlook toward civil rights.
An Age of Conservatism
1980s
In the 80s, ABFE confronted the challenges of a new era. Many Americans believed Blacks did not do enough to help themselves; a view reflective of conservatism. Moreover, the Commission on Minority Participation in Education and American Life declared the U.S. was "Moving Backward", in securing equal rights for minorities. ABFE moved forward despite these developments and continued supporting Black professionals and communities.
Persistent Challenges Impacting Black Communities
1990s
Demographics of the Black middle class shifted considerably in the 90s, and during the Clinton presidency, Black wealth increased. However, a significant earning gap still existed between Blacks and whites. The persistence of poverty in Black communities remained a constant conundrum for public policymakers nationwide, and incidents of racial violence ravaged the country. ABFE programming focused on race relations, public policy, and racism and violence impacting Black communities.
ABFE's 50th anniversary
2021
In honor of ABFEs 50th anniversary, we launched a capital campaign with a goal of $25 million over five years. Through this campaign, we raised funds to organize collective investments in Black communities, expanded our philanthropic advising services, diversified membership, and improved our internal capacity.
“ABFE’s work is about organizing resources that exist in philanthropy and applying them to challenges that face Black communities in this country. No longer can we say we don’t know what the challenges are, we don’t know what organizations to give to. ABFE has filled that gap.”
-Cory Anderson, ABFE Board Member
flow of philanthropic dollars to Black-led organizations, while reducing silos, leveraging regional grantmaking dollars, and sustaining investments in high-impact nonprofits.
