True Impact
Growing Leadership the Equitable Way
Background
The Black Nonprofit Leaders Network was developed to provide a pivotal space for mission-driven leaders of color to network, convene, and build their knowledge base. The need for a Black Nonprofit Leaders Network in Central Florida became apparent after the groundswell of dialogues that erupted in the summer of 2020 and continued well after.
Too often, leaders of color serving historically disinvested and marginalized communities are only invited to the table to provide free advisory inputs. Leaders of color are rarely given reciprocal services or expanded networking opportunities that don’t demand free labor.
To remedy this significant concern, the Black Nonprofit Leaders Network was created as a space where leaders come to the table to amplify professional development, exchange ideas, and receive affirmation that propels their work forward.
Action
The Black Nonprofit Leaders Network kicked off in 2023 through Wells Fargo funding. The seed funding enabled the program to invite facilitators and speakers to convenings, provide convening luncheons, generate a members directory, and award stipends to members who fulfilled participation commitments. These were tables set for Black leaders and events at which people’s time was honored in both spirit and direct investment.
Results
A total of sixty people became members of the Black Nonprofit Leaders Network. Members meet quarterly to guide, encourage, and learn from one another. Twenty three leaders received membership award stipends.
By giving Black leaders a source of restoration and affirmation, the network amplified leaders’ ability to approach their important community-based mission-driven work with renewed energy and new ideas to further impact. By creating a space of renewal, the Black Nonprofit Leaders Network contributed to the betterment of the leaders involved and the communities they serve.
Solutions
- Membership Award Stipends
- Grassroots Capacity Building Resources
- Leadership Network Development
