Fundraising has historically been a very white department where the workplace culture has not always been inclusive.
I would argue that women and women of color have experienced their fair share of uncomfortable situations and microaggressions in the course of doing business.
But especially post-George Floyd, there are changing conversations that are absolutely necessary and need to happen.
💵 And let’s be honest, as executive directors, we don’t always know what support looks like and things can get sticky when money is hanging in the balance.
Still, there is a way to move the needle forward and show our community that we value diversity in our NPO whether you are a BIPOC director or an ally in the field.
How can we help?
- We can’t dismiss a person’s feelings. When a fundraiser comes to you and expresses how they feel, realize they trust you to hear their legitimate concerns that need to be addressed.
- We need training and procedures to deal with inappropriate conversations or comments that are directed toward fundraisers of color in particular. These incidents happen more frequently than we realize.
- Create a safe space for fundraisers to talk about their experiences, to be authentic and represent the vision of the organization. Be willing to stand up for their psychological well being even if it means having an uncomfortable conversation with a donor.
💪We are figuring out not only how to build them up, but how to set them up for leadership opportunities in the future.
Join me on this week’s podcast with Christal Cherry, Aquanetta Betts, Ninjia Miles, and Christal Crosby. These women have built an invaluable network and support system that includes a mentoring program and are here to tell about how they worked through their difficulties to get to where they are today.
🎤 🎤 🎤
Ever felt the sting of microaggressions while doing your nonprofit work?
Or perhaps you’ve noticed that most fundraising departments are predominantly white, leaving women of color to navigate tricky, often unwelcoming spaces?
I am here to help as I welcome a powerhouse panel of experts who delve into the world of Black women fundraisers, the difficulties they face, and the importance of inclusive support networks.
Learn firsthand from Christal Cherry, Aquanetta Betts, Ninjia Miles, and Christal Crosby as they share their journeys, insights, and powerful advice.
⭐Christal Cherry: Founder of F3 (Fabulous Female Fundraisers) and a veteran in the nonprofit sector, her career is a testament to resilience and the power of community.
⭐Aquanetta Betts: Director of Planned Giving at George Mason University, Aquanetta emphasizes the importance of creating knowledge-sharing spaces within the fundraising community.
⭐Ninjia Miles: Director of Development for Black Philanthropy at Indiana University Foundation, Ninjia provides insights into the philanthropic contributions of communities of color and the critical need for diverse fundraisers who understand these nuances.
⭐Christal Crosby: Director of Events and Programs at Case Western University, Christal shares her experiences and the importance of institutions preparing adequately to support and integrate diverse leadership.
Navigating the nonprofit sector can be a daunting task, especially for women of color.
This episode provides not only a candid discussion but practical advice for executive directors on how to foster an inclusive culture that truly supports BIPOC fundraisers.
Don’t miss out on this critical conversation!
Hit play on this insightful episode of Nonprofit Lowdown to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to make lasting, positive changes in your organization.
Let’s create a more inclusive world, one fundraiser at a time!
Nonprofit Lowdown is your go-to podcast for all things nonprofit. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!
✨Connect with a fantastic network of support for women of color in the nonprofit sector: fabfemalefundraisers.org
