Rebecca Darwent’s Post

Like many other Black organizations, we find ourselves at a crossroads as philanthropic and donor support slows to levels not seen since well before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here in Hawaiʻi, where people of African descent make up around 3% of the population, Local Black organizations like ours occupy distinct positions in our communities. Accelerating demographic changes in Hawaiʻi and political developments in the US and around the world place our organizations in an important decision making moment. It will be up to us to decide what steps we take next. Read the brief: https://lnkd.in/gjuJKxc9

*GIA READER: BLACK AUGUST** Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) is an annual global celebration held in August to promote and encourage charitable giving and philanthropic efforts within Black communities worldwide. It was founded in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, along with the Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network, to shine a light on the significant contributions of Black philanthropists and to address the unique challenges and opportunities related to Black giving. This article critiques the influence of neoliberalism in the arts and culture sector, arguing that it prioritizes profit over people, perpetuates systemic inequities, and marginalizes Black and Brown communities. It calls for a radical reimagining of funding models and a commitment to reparative justice to create a more inclusive and equitable arts sector. The entrenched interests and gatekeepers within the industry make it risky to speak openly about the systemic issues and inequities, therefore, this article was submitted by an anonymous collective. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4fHveHf

As I reflect on the recent Fearless Fund decision, it feels more important than ever for us to come together and create the change we want to see in our communities. Giving Circles are a powerful tool for collective action and can help us mobilize resources to make a real impact. Check out this story I wrote about a Black led Giving Circle and the next generation of Black philanthropists who are leading the way in creating lasting change.

In honor of Black Philanthropy Month, the Nonprofit Quarterly is sharing a collection of stories discussing the significance of the history, the present day impact, and the needs to ensure longevity for Black philanthropy. From understanding philanthropy as activism to embracing, elevating, and advancing Black-led change, the articles in this collection were written in efforts to ensure that funding strategies reflect long-term commitments to meet the actual needs of Black communities and their self-defined goals. https://ow.ly/utrK50SSf9J

The National Reparations Network serves as a mobilizing umbrella to plan and execute a “National Reparations Rally” in Washington, DC on May 17, 2025, the 100th anniversary month of the birth of Malcolm X. The Rally’s mission is for representatives from all sectors of the Reparations ecosystem to come to Washington in unison, harmonize collective and individual efforts, align the movement’s narrative on reparations for the enslavement era and its current legacies, and demonstrate broad-based support for reparations. If you are a reparations organization, reparations ally organization, faith-based, social justice, fraternal, academic, grassroots, professional, philanthropic, corporate or other organization or entity that believes in reparations for Black people in the United States, then endorse the 2025 National Rally and help make it a success. https://lnkd.in/gXkSu3ra

Black History Month UK unveiled this year’s theme… Reclaiming Narratives. For too long, the history of Black communities has been told through lenses that often misrepresent, oversimplify, or entirely overlook the rich and diverse experiences of those who lived it. But 2024 is set to be a transformative year. At SMRS, we’re marking it in different ways: 📣 A fantastic speaker will talk about different cultural references and stories aligning back to Black culture and how it’s been represented in mainstream marketing. 🎉 We promote and use local Black-owned businesses. 💰 We matched donations to Runnymede Trust, who challenge structural racism. 🏆 We work with clients on award-winning DE&I campaigns to help them change for the better. But we can always do better, too. And it’s important that we never stop trying. #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonthuk #reclaimingnarratives #runnymedetrust #diversityandinclusion

Want to see change? Black Philanthropy is an amazing way of Driving Social Change. Philanthropy targeted at Black communities often addresses the root causes of racial inequities, from education to criminal justice reform. By supporting these initiatives, we can drive significant social change that benefits all Americans. When one community thrives, it creates a ripple effect that uplifts society as a whole. Learn more at, Black Funding Denied: Where are we two years later? https://lnkd.in/dRgFFWCj

Such an important topic. This gift is a game changer and we absolutely need more like this if we are to make our health system more equitable. That said, it can’t be up to doctors of color or underrepresented groups to change the system. We need all hands on deck because firstly, it will take years for the numbers to increase to a point of having an impact. Secondly, all doctors need to be trained about how bias shows up in their day-to-day and how to mitigate it. Lastly, beyond training individuals we need mitigate bias in our systems and structure so we aren’t reliant on individuals.

I’m extending a challenge to philanthropy, including foundations, non-profits, and community members alike, to begin to make detailed accounts of the assets found in Black communities. With as much effort, resources, and time that we dedicate to putting together list after list of the disparities that exist in Black communities, let’s create community asset maps of Black institutional assets, physical assets, people assets and other forms of capital that we possess. And let those assets be the inspiration for how we build more thriving Black communities! CONTINUE READING  “RADICAL PHILANTHROPY FOR BLACK-LED MOVEMENTS” HERE: shorturl.at/013788 ****************************************************************************** The month of March will be dedicated to S.M.A.R.T. Black Philanthropy. Follow me as we delve deeper into what asset based philanthropy is and how it can be used to invest in Black communities. ****************************************************************************** S.M.A.R.T. Black Philanthropy aims to advance a new model of philanthropy in Black communities. This model is asset based instead of deficit based. It prioritizes a collaborative approach instead of a competitive approach to philanthropy. Finally, it is rooted in Black traditions and movements. 

At the Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative (IBAI), we know that together we achieve more. Across Illinois, our incredible partners and allies are working tirelessly to address the many challenges impacting Black communities. From equitable education funding to reimagining state budgets, reducing reliance on harmful systems, advocating for reparations, and advocating for justice and equity, we’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with aligned organizations that are building a brighter future for Black Illinoisans. We’re all in this together. By leveraging our collective expertise and networks and building a shared vision, we’re Building Black political power statewide, one policy, one initiative, and one connection at a time. Tomororw for Giving Tuesday, your support will amplify not just our work but the work of a robust ecosystem of Black-led systems change organizations committed to transforming Illinois into a state that uplifts all of its people. 📢 Join us in celebrating the power of community, collaboration, and collective impact. Together, we’re moving the needle toward equity, opportunity, and justice. 💡 Donate today and be part of this transformational movement: https://lnkd.in/g8unnSVW Consider extending your support this Giving Tuesday by donating not only to IBAI but also to our amazing partners, whose work is transforming lives and creating lasting change for Black communities across Illinois. Find their work here: https://lnkd.in/gtcsEMu3