#USA #Boston #nonprofit sector #Boston Women's Fund #BIPOC

Introduction

A recent groundbreaking study led by the Boston Women's Fund has revealed disconcerting statistics regarding the funding landscape for nonprofits serving women and girls of color in Greater Boston. The report, titled "Carrying the Weight, Leading the Change," outlines that a mere 0.02% of the total philanthropic dollars—out of a staggering $112 billion in nonprofit revenue—goes towards organizations explicitly focused on this demographic.

The Disparities

Despite women and girls of color constituting nearly 20% of the population in Greater Boston, the report indicates that only 0.2% of local nonprofits serve this group. Among the key findings, it was noted that over 60% of philanthropic support funneled for women and girls in the area is concentrated in just five organizations, none of which prioritize the needs of women of color.

The City's demographic shift is particularly alarming, with the population of Black women seeing a drastic decline. From 2018 to 2023, there was a staggering -28% decrease among younger Black women (aged 18-24) and -19% among those aged 25-34. This trend signals a brewing crisis that requires urgent attention and action.

Financial Challenges

The financial resources available to nonprofits that serve women and girls of color are disproportionately lower. Of the total $112 billion in nonprofit revenue within the Greater Boston area, only $1 billion is directed towards women- and girl-serving organizations, with a mere $25 million reaching groups that focus explicitly on women and girls of color. This chronic underfunding affects not only service delivery but also the overall sustainability of these organizations.

Within focus groups, grassroots leaders reported experiencing burnout and various health challenges, underscoring the harsh realities faced due to insufficient funding and the overwhelming demand to fill gaps left by philanthropic neglect. As traditional funding practices often marginalize these organizations, addressing critical community issues like women's healthcare, employment equality, and support systems for survivors of violence becomes increasingly difficult.

Recommendations for Change

The report's authors have laid out a series of recommendations aimed at creating more equitable funding practices. Suggestions include:

• - Reducing Barriers: Streamlining grantmaking processes to ease access to funding for grassroots organizations.
• - Long-term Support: Offering multi-year grants to provide financial stability.
• - Empower Community Voices: Establishing community-led grantmaking committees to share power with those directly impacted.
• - Investing in Capacity Building: Supporting organizations to develop their in-house capabilities and better meet community needs.

“These findings highlight a systemic failure in our philanthropic landscape,” stated Natanja Craig Oquendo, CEO of the Boston Women's Fund. Her call to action is clear: a redesign of how we think about philanthropy, moving away from traditional models to form stronger partnerships with grassroots organizations.

Conclusion

The report will be a focal point during CWPPP's public convening, "In This Moment Women of Color Driving Change for Equity," scheduled for March 24 at the UMass Club in Boston. Individuals are encouraged to engage and participate in discussions that challenge the existing frameworks and explore pathways for a more equitable future. For those interested, the full report can be accessed here.

This crucial study serves as a wakeup call, illuminating the urgent need for transformative action within the philanthropic community to support BIPOC women and gender-expansive individuals in Greater Boston. Without addressing these equity gaps, progress in creating a more just and inclusive society for women and girls of color will remain painfully slow.