How large is the racial funding disparity between organizations run by white leaders and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) leaders? What is driving this funding disparity? What can we do about it?
There is increasing conversation about the racial biases that lead funders to systemically overlook, undervalue, and underfund organizations led by BIPOC leaders. As a consequence of these biases, the sector is routinely burning out many leaders who are the best positioned to drive social change. Because dismantling systemic racism is critical to progress on social change goals, changing funding practices that produce these inequities will also better enable funders to achieve their goals.
Adding to the existing body of research on this topic, we will share original quantitative and qualitative evidence identifying the magnitude and drivers of racial disparities in funding and recommend strategies and tactics for funders and practitioners to inspire near-term changes and make their practices more equitable. Importantly, we will create space to exchange ideas on how philanthropy can dismantle barriers that exist across the full arc of fundraising (getting connected, building rapport, securing support, and sustaining relationships).
