Black-Led
Social Change Database
The Black-led Social Change Database, a project of the Black Funders Network of the Bay Area, is designed to be a resource that prioritizes philanthropy advocacy for Black communities, aligns Black funders and allies to support Black-led organizing and on-the-ground work, and uplifts philanthropy's connections with and proximity to Bay Area Black communities.
We believe that building and sharing robust, Black-led infrastructures for social change is essential to dismantling anti-Black racism and creating thriving Black communities in the Bay Area. To create and advance racial equity, philanthropy must commit to making long-term, sustainable investments in Black communities.
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The database captures existing Black-led social change efforts across the Bay Area including Black-led COVID-19 response funds, Black-led and Black-serving philanthropic initiatives and funds, and more.
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Our goal is for funders to use the Black-led Social Change Database as a static tool to inform their long-term strategic investments in Black communities in the Bay Area. We've laid the foundation; now we're calling on funders to continue building.
" When we identify where our privilege intersects with somebody else's oppression, we'll find our opportunities to make real change."
- Ijeoma Oluo
Prioritize grantmaking that supports the infrastructure of Black communities
In solidarity with ABFE's call to action for philanthropy to address anti-Black racism and commit to long-term sustainable investment in Black-led infrastructure, we created this database to empower funders to examine and invest in the current landscape of Black-led social change efforts in the Bay Area.
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Black-led organizing, movement building and community action needs strategic, long-term investment from funders both within and outside the Bay Area philanthropic community, and the database is a starting point for funders to identify those opportunities for investment.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & POLITICAL POWER
Ensuring Black Americans can participate in democratic processes.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & POWER:
Ensuring economic security for Black individuals, families, and communities.
We encourage funders to explore the existing efforts and opportunities presented in the database, as their organizations consider new investment strategies that support their commitment to racial equity.
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To guide decision-making efforts and ensure investments support ongoing growth and opportunity for Bay Area Black communities, we align with, support and offer the option to filter the database using ABFE’s long-term investment framework in Black-led infrastructure, defined by seven key investment areas:
POLICY ADVOCACY & SYSTEMS REFORM
Formal advocacy for policy and systems change that builds on the strength of organizing
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING & PEOPLE POWER
Ensuring Black people most impacted by a problem can identify and demand priorities for change.
RESEARCH & INTELLECTUAL POWER
Focusing on research and intellect that centers Black experiences and needs as a basis to inform policy change and reform.
COMMUNICATIONS NARRATIVE & SOCIAL POWER:
Increasing representation of Black journalists, artists, etc. who will shape the narrative and perspective on race and Black Americans in the media
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC CONVENINGS:
Supporting Black social change leaders who face systemic barriers to achieving senior leadership roles in the nonprofit sector
Database Highlights
Multi-year, multi-million dollar initiatives and funds focused on building the capacity to enhance Black-led organizations' sustainability and support Black-led organizing and movement building.
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Funds housed at Black-led organization, mainly COVID-19 response funds
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Black-led agendas aligned with supporting Black political organizing efforts focused on self-determination, equity, and restitution.
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Black-led and community-based projects and initiatives developed to create strategic alignment and collective vision around Black leadership, organizing, and power-building, focusing on housing, police abolition, holistic care, and youth leadership.
