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Working in racial equity and social justice in the philanthropic sector is challenging because the “personal is political,” and there often feels like no break from our 9-5 roles. We don’t get to take off our skin or the grief we feel in our bodies from the years of oppression of racism that our people have endured.
Over the next 20 years in the U.S., $35–70 trillion in wealth will transfer from one generation to another in the largest generational wealth transfer in history, mostly moving within wealthy white families. The policies that make possible this protection and accumulation of wealth are situated within the legacy of land theft, genocide of Native people, enslavement of Black people, and exploitation of natural resources. This context of racial capitalism has also given rise to wealth accumulation that, in part, birthed the philanthropic sector. Paradoxically, many of us working within philanthropy aim to contribute to changes in systems, structures, and outcomes that address the harms of interconnected systems like racial capitalism that favor some at the expense of others and the planet.
To truly strengthen our democracy for the long-term, funders need to hear directly from young people and youth organizing staff and follow their lead to deeply invest in the ecosystem that builds political home and collective agency for us.
Imagine an East Oakland where Black children and families are not only surviving but flourishing. In this vibrant and inclusive community, every individual can reach their full potential and contribute to the greater good. RiseEast is a 10-year collective effort to make deep and lasting improvements in the well- being of Black children and families in East Oakland, with initiatives that are direct reflections of the hopes and needs of the people who live here.
Formed in 2006, the Race and Equity in Philanthropy Group (REPG) brings together foundations committed to improving their ability to comprehensively promote racial equity and inclusion in their policies, practices, systems and operations. By convening representatives of foundations to exchange ideas, lessons, policies, and practices on racial equity and various aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion, REPG provides an opportunity for member foundations to improve their own approaches through peer learning.
Achieving racial equity and sustaining a viable democracy go hand in hand. NCG defines democracy as the processes, systems, and structures for historically marginalized and underrepresented community members to participate in a political system that fulfills the promise of an equitable multi-racial society. Northern California is a region that can model this approach, ensuring that people of color and other communities historically underrepresented and marginalized in our political process fully engage in the democratic process.
The California Criminal Justice Funders Group (CCJFG) is an established network of funders and donors that invest in a wide range of system change. We firmly believe that efforts to transform this country’s response to safety, justice, and accountability must be led by those individuals who have been directly impacted by systems of punishment themselves.