As a leader of color in the nonprofit industry, I have often facilitated conversations about equity and racial inequality in the philanthropic space. The inequalities are undeniable. In my experience, I’ve seen money flow so easily with rich, white men at the helm of nonprofit organizations while organizations led by folks of color are funded disproportionately less.
It’s a painful fact of life, yes. But sometimes, we can make the mistake of assuming it’s a simple issue.
It’s not.
On one side of the spectrum, you have young, aspiring people of color jump to the conclusion that capitalism is the problem and we just need to abolish it. Or, they feel so angry about systemic injustice that they can’t function within the system to inject gradual change.
And on the other side of the spectrum, you have people who are so privileged that they don’t even recognize it in themselves. Or, if they do recognize it, they’re afraid of what they might lose if they were to surrender some of their privilege to help elevate people of color.
And in a surprising twist, I’ve personally come to recognize that all rich white men aren’t out there living their best life simply because of their whiteness and masculinity. We have to recognize that they are also immersed in a system that doesn’t allow them to show signs of weakness and feelings of insecurity.
So what’s the solution? How can we continue to be successful in the fundraising space, where it literally pays to pander to privilege, without unintentionally perpetuating the matrix?
I think the answer is threefold:
👥 We have to have empathy on both sides.
👥 We have to be willing to teach.
👥 And we have to be willing to learn.
It all starts by having honest and open discussions. Only then can we move toward a more equitable and just system.
Looking for a resource you can share to continue the discussion and help cultivate forward-thinking change-makers in your personal professional circles? Check out my most recent podcast guest below!
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Speaking of disrupting the matrix, I recently spoke with Garret Nieman, former nonprofit founder and author of the new book Rich White Men.On the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, Garrett Neiman riffs on how subtle (and not so subtle) biases in philanthropy make it dramatically easier for privileged people to fundraise.
Garrett knows this song by heart. He reflects on his journey from a conservative upbringing to recognizing the systemic barriers and biases faced by marginalized communities. Garrett realized the need for a power analysis in social change work – one that calls on white men to stand up for equity and justice.
The conversation touches on topics like the War on Wokeness, fundraising disparities, and the importance of understanding privilege.
Garrett’s prescription? Get more people with power – especially rich white dudes – talking openly about equity. 🗣️ He encourages privileged folks to determine their unique position, commit to lifelong learning, and take daily action to promote justice.
Ready for frank convo on race, class and cash? Garrett brings nuance and heart. Get your headphones and open your mind.
