Programs

Responsive Philanthropy in Black Communities

  Foundations Improving Life Outcomes for Black Men and Boys

Organizations Improving Life Outcomes for Black Men and Boys

ABFE is one of many leaders in the field who have participated in a broad movement to direct more philanthropic dollars to black men and boys. Over the next 18 months, we intend to continue and expand on our efforts in this area. Specifically, ABFE will continue to assert its role of convener and information clearinghouse for philanthropy on improving outcomes for Black males by accomplishing the following objectives:

• surveys of our membership to monitor grants and investments made to improve outcomes for Black males;
• highlighting specific issues facing Black men and boys in various content areas supported by our members (i.e. education, child welfare, health, etc.) as well as opportunities to address them;
• providing national and place-based convenings (in partnership with regionally-based philanthropic affinity groups) for our members/funders to engage, mobilize and learn about gaps, opportunities and challenges facing the donor community in serving black males;
• showcasing the work of ABFE Connecting Leaders Fellows in this area; and
• providing a policy voice on issues facing this population to key audiences (including the National Governors Association, National Council of State Legislators, U. S. Conference of Mayors, National Urban League, among others).

Lastly, ABFE will use its communication infrastructure (i.e. website and occasional papers) to glean lessons from foundation leaders on strategies for engaging and convincing Boards of Directors on Black male issues.  Specifically, ABFE will share knowledge of effective frames, successful language, metrics discussed, and strategies for identifying and cultivating champions on the Board level.  Further, pending available resources, we will convene special committees of foundation leaders (presidents & vice presidents) who are implementing strategies to address Black male well-being.  This activity would: 1) provide an important forum for foundation leaders to find support and affirmation for peers on a tough, often charged social matter; and 2) offer “cover” to other peers who desire to advance a strategy on Black male well-being.  As a result of these activities, ABFE members will:

• have an increased understanding of the complex issues facing Black males and better armed with knowledge, leadership skills, and decision-making power to serve as strong advocates for Black males in the philanthropic sector;
• be recognized as key partners and valued contributors to philanthropic efforts that strengthen the life chances of Black males;  
• be better linked to one another to develop joint or coordinated strategies that leverage resources for the greatest social impact in Black communities; and
• invest new and more effective philanthropic dollars to priority issues facing Black men and boys.

For more information, contact Marcus Walton, Director of Programs mwalton@abfe.org

Black Men and Boys Reports and Presentations

Black Labor in America: Emerging Opportunities Amid the Economic Crisis
Click on the link above to listen to the Open Society Institute Campaign for Black Male Achievement luncheon with Steven C. Pitts, labor policy specialist at the Center for Labor Research and Education, University of California–Berkeley. Mr. Pitts focuses on the job crisis facing the black community, with an emphasis on black men and the immigration reform movement.

Family Matters is the first report in our Occassional Paper Series. The report examines three issues that have a substantial impact on Black families and Black communities:  foster care, fatherhood and identity development. (download)