C06: Philanthropy’s Role in Closing the Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap

GEO’s 2018 National Conference is the perfect opportunity for grantmakers of all backgrounds to come together, explore the most relevant topics in the field and problem solve with like-minded peers.Recent events may have inspired you to question what role philanthropy plays in creating change — and what your individual role is in advocating for shifts in the field.
A decade ago, nonprofits and foundations in California had a robust debate about the lack of investment in organizations and leaders of color in the state. Since then, national studies have still shown that few nonprofit executive directors are people of color, despite widespread agreement that organizational leadership should reflect the demographics of communities served. This session will draw on national survey data on leadership and race in the nonprofit sector with a particular focus on how philanthropy has sometimes been a barrier for aspiring leaders of color and share ideas for what grantmakers can do to move the sector forward.

Read the report here: http://racetolead.org/ca/

Presenters:

Sean Thomas-Breitfeld, Co-Director, Building Movement Project,

William Cordery, Program Officer, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund

Marissa Tirona, Program Officer, Ford Foundation