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Awards & Nominations

Since our launch in August 2019, BFN has created soulful, inclusive environments for funders and philanthropy professionals to learn, strategize, and re-energize in support of Black communities and organizations across the Bay Area.

These awards recognize individuals, organizations, and leaders who embody our core values of Connection to Community, Courage,  Human Dignity, Learning, Love of Black People, Safety & Inclusion, and Thinking Big while making significant contributions to the Greater Bay Area philanthropic community.

Submission Deadline: August 31, 2025

Accessibility Note: If you prefer to submit your nomination via email or need alternative formats, please contact us at awards@blackfundersnetwork.org. We are committed to ensuring all community members can participate in this recognition process.

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Innovation Award

Recognizing Narrative Creators, Policy Decision Makers, and High-Impact Black Donors

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The Innovation Award recognizes individual donors or donor families who have created new strategic models, shifted narratives, influenced policy, or made exceptional philanthropic investments that have transformed how we approach supporting Black communities.

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Eligibility Criteria:

  • Development of innovative philanthropic approaches or models

  • Significant policy influence affecting Black communities or philanthropy

  • High-impact individual or family giving with measurable outcomes

  • Narrative creation that has shifted public understanding or discourse

  • Demonstrated ability to leverage resources for systemic change

  • Strong connection to Bay Area Black communities

  • Alignment with BFN's values of thinking big and courage

Sustainer Award

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Honoring Administrative and Operational Staff at All Levels of Leadership 

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The Sustainer Award recognizes the often unsung heroes who build and maintain the essential infrastructure, processes, and relationships that allow philanthropic organizations and initiatives to thrive. These leaders work behind the scenes to ensure operational excellence and sustainable growth.

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Eligibility Criteria:

  • Leadership in building organizational infrastructure and operations

  • Behind-the-scenes work that enables others to succeed

  • Commitment to sustainable organizational development

  • Excellence in administrative, operational, or support functions

  • History of building systems that enable serving Black communities effectively

  • Demonstrated impact on organizational capacity and effectiveness

  • Alignment with BFN's values of human dignity and learning

Emerging Leader Award

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Celebrating New Voices in Philanthropy Who Are Sharing Their Strengths

 

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes rising leaders in philanthropy who demonstrate exceptional potential and are already making meaningful contributions to support Black communities and furthering the pipeline for philanthropic excellence.  

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Eligibility Criteria:

  • Early to mid-career professional (typically 2-10 years in philanthropy)

  • Demonstrated innovation and fresh perspectives

  • Growing influence and impact in Bay Area philanthropy

  • Strong alignment with BFN values

  • Commitment to advancing equity

Ally Award

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Recognizing Grantmaking Institutions with Significant Positive Impact

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The Ally Award honors grantmaking institutions, foundations, or organizations that have made substantial investments in Black communities and demonstrated authentic partnership in advancing equity in philanthropy.

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Eligibility Criteria:

  • Institutional commitment to equity and Black community support

  • Significant financial investment in Black-led organizations or initiatives

  • Demonstrated authentic partnership 

  • The institution’s staff is representative of the communities served and operates within an inclusive environment.  

  • Policy changes or practices that advance racial equity in philanthropy

  • Long-term commitment to supporting Black communities (minimum 3 years)

  • Evidence of learning and growth in equity practices

  • Alignment with BFN's values of connection to community and human dignity

Legacy Award

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Honoring Longstanding Contributions to Philanthropy

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The Legacy Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, sustained impact, and unwavering commitment to advancing equity and supporting Black communities throughout their philanthropic careers. This leader has shaped the local and in some cases, the national philanthropic landscape by mentoring emerging staff and helping to build a community-connected field of philanthropic professionals. Finally, this leader has had an evidence-based impact on Black Communities and beyond.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum 10+ years of demonstrated leadership in philanthropy

  • Significant impact on Bay Area philanthropic landscape

  • Commitment to racial equity and Black community empowerment

  • Mentorship and development of other philanthropic leaders

  • Alignment with BFN's core values

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