Fundraising in communities of color is often different. Let us remember that.
Some people may take that in the wrong direction and assume people of color aren’t as philanthropic because they don’t have a fair share of this nation’s wealth. They would be wrong about the first part. Donors of color give to charity at comparable rates to their white counterparts, and in a myriad of ways, according to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. That giving may be in the form of time or in kind more often than it is monetary, but to put it plainly: acts of charity are abundant in communities of color.
The difference is that nonprofits are often perceived as institutions, and the first way many of us learned to give was to people, family and neighbors. Not giving to a person directly can run counter to the whole idea. Institutions also carry varied connotations across different populations. There are the institutions that anchor Black American culture and survival (schools, churches, labor and civic organizations), which carry positive associations by many measures. However, hospitals, prisons, and banks are also institutions that have inflicted great pain on Black Americans, and that distrust can last for generations. The history differs by community, but the wariness shows up in many of them. For those who have lived in nations with extreme government surveillance and oppression, any organization registered with the authorities could be seen as an extension of the state, not to be trusted, non-governmental or not.
As our organizations grow, they can be increasingly affected by this reality. The bigger we get, the more barriers we may face in establishing trust with the communities whose trust we most need to earn. This is an inverse dynamic that exists between communities of color and the social sector, compared to the mainstream norm, and it isn’t often discussed. The polish and panache that attract some supporters may serve as red flags for others. At some point, every organization undergoing rapid growth should face the question “has the mission become the machine?”
What is there to do about this perception of institutions?
First, we have to honor it, not fight it or strategize around it. It’s the history that shaped this country and is at the root of the causes we struggle against today. Second, we should put forward the people who make up our organization, not a nameless email sender or a logo profile photo. Finally, be real about where the money goes. In fundraising conversations, we can address those questions head-on, and doing so may help us keep ourselves accountable to our values. The drift toward social sector bougieness is outright rampant in 2026.
We should build good institutions. They can protect and align resources for a movement over generations. But we shouldn’t conflate building institutions with building power. Many donors of color get the distinction, and if we lose sight of that, we will lose more than just their backing.
Take a minute to check out the exciting recent press of my brothers.
LEWIS & CLARK LAW SCHOOL
“MSL Alum Builds a Business to Help Communities Make Healthier Housing Decisions”
CALIFORNIA HEALTH REPORT
“The Crisis Is Real. But the Manosphere Isn’t the Answer”
Gustavo López and Regi Wingo
COMMON DREAMS
“Staying Grounded When the Earth Cracks: On Political Focus in an Age of Overstimulation”
Eric Morrison-Smith
SUNDANCE INSTITUTE
“‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’ Explores Fractured Fatherhood Through a Poetic Lens”
Jessica Herndon
National Geographic Society – The Human Thread - Grants for storytelling projects illuminating human cultures and experiences, with priority for applicants with lived experience in their communities - December 1, 2026.
LMCC Manhattan Arts Grants - $1,000-$20,000 grants for Manhattan-based artists, collectives, and nonprofits across all disciplines through four tracks: project funding, arts education, and general operating support - November 12, 2026.
VIA Art Fund Artistic Production Grant - $25,000 to $100,000 grants for U.S.-based artists creating newly commissioned visual art in public spaces and non-traditional exhibition environments. LOI required - November 5, 2026.
Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant - Grants for nonprofits in 10 U.S. cities supporting arts, community development, education, health, and financial empowerment - November 1, 2026.
Impact Grants Chicago - Impact Grants typically $100,000 and Merit Grants for Chicago nonprofits addressing critical community needs across all cause areas. Letter of Inquiry required - October 23, 2026.
Social Justice Fund Northwest – Rural Organizing Grant - Grants for grassroots BIPOC-led organizations doing rural community organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming - October 22, 2026.
Council on Library and Information Resources – Digitizing Hidden Collections - Grants from $50,000 to $300,000 for U.S. nonprofits, academic institutions, and community-based organizations digitizing rare materials that document the histories of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, disabled, and other historically underrepresented communities - October 20, 2026.
Leadership Fellows at The Trust - rolling deadline
Harvard Health Coverage Fellowship - rolling deadline
Seeding Disruption Fellowship - rolling deadline
Craft Archive Fellowship - For researchers, scholars, and artists conducting research on history of underrepresented craft artists - rolling deadline
Women inPower Fellowship - For women who are 3-5 years away from C-suite positions or women based in NYC (separate cohorts) - November 2026.
Michigan Central Art x Newlab Creative Residency - $30,000 unrestricted award plus 12-week residency in Detroit for U.S.-based individual artists (25+) at the intersection of art, technology, health, and society - October 30, 2026.