– Insight into the rampant disparities Black-led, Black-serving nonprofits are facing in fundraising efforts
– St. Louis-based nonprofits voice their struggles and share strategies for attracting financial support
– Finding ways to bridge the racial funding gap in philanthropy
Philanthropy’s Racial Bias: St. Louis Nonprofit Scene
St. Louisans have surely noticed the vibrancy and dynamism that local Black-led, Black-serving nonprofits bring to our city. Amplifying voices and striving for change, these organizations often operate on passion alone as they confront a severe racial funding gap.
A recent panel discussion among three local industry veterans shed some much-needed light onto the issue. Kimberley McKinney, CEO of Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, Erica Henderson, Executive Director of the St. Louis Promise Zone, and Mariah Richardson, founder of Act 2 Productions, sat down to discuss the challenges they face.
Funding Struggles Amplified
These distinguished leaders were united in their dissatisfaction with the funding scenario. Each narrated a shared reality where nonprofits headed by Black administrators were consistently overlooked by potential funders or awarded significantly less funding compared to their white counterparts.
Ms. McKinney highlighted a constant pushback she faced when advocating for the needs of the community she served. Meanwhile, Ms. Henderson spoke about difficulties in accessing dollars due to preconceived notions about predominantly Black areas. Richardson then echoed this sentiment, illustrating how this imbalance directly impacts their ability to serve their communities.
Mapping A Way Forward
Despite these uphill battles, there are still endless reasons for optimism. Strategies discussed included the necessity of effectively communicating their mission, garnering support from fellow nonprofits, and navigating the digital shift in fundraising, to name a few. The message conveyed was empathetic but firm, reminding the philanthropy world that the onus lies on them to fix the persisting racial disparities.
The Breezy Take
The racial funding gap in philanthropy is neither a myth nor an abstract concept. It requires more than passive acknowledgment. St. Louis-based nonprofits have risen to the challenge, offering optimism and actionable strategies to overcome these disparities. We need to realize that investing in Black-led, Black-serving nonprofits isn’t just about fostering equity – it’s also about fueling growth and innovation. These organizations deserve not just recognition but financial sustenance to continue their noble work.
Original article: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2023-08-28/how-giving-black-can-close-funding-gaps-for-black-nonprofits