According to Nonprofit Quarterly, 80 percent of nonprofits are white-led, and that number increases to 90 percent when it comes to the 315 largest nonprofits in the country. This lack of diversity calls into question the effectiveness and authenticity of strategies implemented in communities of color when the majority of decisions are being made by those unfamiliar with the experiences of those served.
Cone Health Foundation cannot define what it means for historically marginalized communities to flourish. We have to listen, first. We also must think more intentionally about race and racial equity. Funding leaders of color is a significant piece of that puzzle because these leaders often bring strategies that intimately understand the racialized experiences of communities of color and the challenges they face.
In late September we made a few grants with the goal of amplifying Black community resilience and strength.
Leaders of some of the Black-led organizations that recently received CHF funding included: Alana Allen, I Am A Queen; Tonya Dupree, Ajar Williams and Yvonne Johnson, One Step Further; Evainna Ross, Black Suit Initiative and Vicki McCain, Presbyterian Church of the Cross – B. Natural Academy of Music and the Arts
B. Natural Academy of Music and the Arts
A nonprofit joint project of Presbyterian Church of the Cross and area musicians designed to provide quality and affordable music lessons for children from under-resourced communities in Greensboro.
I Am a Queen
A youth-focused mentoring program dedicated to ensuring that young women can reach their goals for higher education and leadership.
One Step Further Incorporated
A 20-hour life skills program designed to provide youth with the resources to make healthy choices in their everyday lives.
Piedmont Blues Preservation Society
Dedicated to growing and preserving the Blues Culture while supporting community, cultural and social causes.
The Sparrows Nest: Black Suit Initiative
A leadership and community engagement organization developed to engage middle and high school young men in leadership initiatives.
We are just beginning. Stay with us as we hold ourselves accountable to the communities we hope to serve.
