Nonprofit
Non-profit organizations serving specific communities, particularly those led by executive directors and board members from underrepresented groups, have often faced challenges in securing adequate funding to support their operations. This disparity in funding can exacerbate existing operational and financial difficulties.
Over the past decade, there’s been a growing awareness within the philanthropic sector of the need to strengthen commitment to racial justice. In response, funding has often been directed towards existing organizations to support diversity initiatives and a greater focus on racial equity.
While increased funding for racial justice initiatives is a positive step, some concerns have been raised about funding distribution. It has been observed that funders may be more inclined to support transformation within organizations they already have established relationships with. This tendency can make it more difficult for newer or less-established organizations, particularly those led by people from underrepresented groups, to gain access to funding, even when their missions align with racial justice goals.
Philanthropic funding models can sometimes inadvertently reinforce existing power structures and potentially undermine the long-term goals of the non-profit sector. It’s important to recognize that diverse lived experiences should be valued and respected without requiring external validation.
Common narratives can sometimes create assumptions about which communities are best positioned to manage resources and lead initiatives. These assumptions may lead to an imbalance in funding distribution, where certain communities are perceived as needing external support to launch successful non-profit organizations.
The goal is not to discourage collaboration or partnership but rather to recognize the importance of lived experience and community leadership. Funding decisions should reflect a commitment to empowering communities to lead initiatives that directly impact their own lives.
To achieve this, the philanthropic landscape should be equitable and ensure that funding decisions are not influenced by biases that perpetuate institutional injustice. Funding should be based on merit, community need, and the proven capacity of organizations to achieve their missions, regardless of their leadership’s demographic background.
To effectively and creatively create a sustainable and a peaceful road map Shaya Partners is assisting non-profits, foundations, and grantmakers with the following:
We empower non-profit organizations serving specific communities to demonstrate their capabilities and build strong relationships with funders.
We recognize that due to historical factors, organizations led by members of underrepresented groups may not have had the same access to resources and networks as other organizations. Therefore, we help these non-profits develop a strong foundation of credibility through data analysis, financial planning, branding, program evaluation, and sustainability plans.
We advocate for this capacity-building work to be led by individuals with relevant lived experience and expertise, particularly those who are deeply connected to the communities being served.
We also work with foundations, larger non-profits, and grant-makers to foster understanding of the need for equitable funding practices and to develop clear, actionable plans for resource distribution and accountability.
While these conversations can be challenging, we believe it’s essential to critically examine existing practices and strive for a more equitable distribution of resources to ensure the success and sustainability of organizations working to uplift all communities. Our diverse team is uniquely positioned to facilitate these conversations, create accountability plans, and foster understanding that leads to prosperity and well-being for everyone.