Philanthropic Advising Services

We help institutions go beyond organizational priorities to understand the racial equity implications of their internal policies, systems, and organizational culture.

Our Services

Our approach combines issue and program expertise with a wholistic approach to racial equity capacity building. The Responsive Philanthropy in Black Communities framework includes workshops and tools designed to increase grantmakers' investments, develop collective giving models, and support donors in doing their work more equitably. Register for our specialized curriculums and workshops below led by our expert trainers.

Foundations of Racial Equity Workshop

An interactive series to develop a shared understanding and integrate essential tools for advancing racial equity. Participants will learn key concepts, test ABFE’s tools, and assess their organization's equity position. Post-workshop, receive a summary memo with key insights and actionable next steps.

Available virtually or in person, for non-profit and public sector professionals, racial and social justice activists, and individuals committed to racial justice

Time Investment: 4-12 hours

Philanthropic Reparations for Black People: An Idea Whose Time Has Come

This curriculum focuses on the critical role of philanthropy in repairing harm to Black communities. Participants will define and contextualize reparations, identify key movements, develop solidarity for reparative justice, and learn to identify potential harms and examine their foundation’s practices for impactful change. Post-workshop, receive insights and steps for reparative action.

Available virtually or in person, for foundation staff, trustees, and donors

Time Investment: 8.5 hours

Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a powerful framework for benchmarking racial equity outcomes. ABFE helps foundations integrate the SDGs into their racial equity work, enhancing focus, accountability, and impact. Participants will strengthen grantmaking, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational culture. Post-program, receive concrete plans for next steps.

Available virtually, for community foundations, corporate professionals, nonprofits, and previous webinar attendees

Time Investment: 2.5 hours

Black-led Social Change Curriculum

This critical curriculum addresses the urgent need to bridge the trust gap between Black-led nonprofits and philanthropic foundations. Participants will identify characteristics and needs of Black-led social change groups to create effective partnerships. Post-workshop, receive actionable steps to enhance collaboration.

Available virtually or in person, for staff, consultants, and trustees in institutional philanthropy

Time Investment: 2.5 hours

Monthly Workshop Series

ABFE's Philanthropic Advising Services hosts transformative Community Workshop Series, empowering philanthropy professionals to turn uncertainty into actionable strategies. Engage in monthly workshops designed to enhance organizational proactivity and deepen connections within the ABFE network, fostering impactful discussions on current events and organizational capacity building.

Available virtually, for senior to entry-level staff from various institutional backgrounds and identities, both ABFE members and non-members

Time Investment: 3.5 hours | Cost: $450

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Technical Assistance and Ongoing Coaching

Our Technical Assistance (T/A) and coaching services focus on advancing racial equity, closing racial disparities, and improving outcomes across your organization’s priority areas. Delivered through agreed-upon virtual sessions, each lasting two hours, these services are tailored to your specific needs. We thoroughly prepare by reviewing relevant materials, ensuring each session is productive and impactful.

Participants can expect to:

Implement strategies aligned with the introductory racial equity workshop.
Center and prioritize organizational goals.
Devise strategic recommendations for actionable next steps.
Develop a phased action plan with performance measures to track progress.

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Equity Audits and Assessments

ABFE's equity audits provide a comprehensive review of your organization’s documents, including external communications, web presence, internal policies, bylaws, DEI materials, and more. We go beyond documents to gain a fuller understanding by conducting key stakeholder interviews and small-format discussions, offering insights into your organizational systems and culture.

Audit results include:

Detailed presentations of findings and recommendations.
Tailored feedback for staff, board, and additional stakeholders according to client priorities.

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ABFE's blueprint for racial equity in philanthropy and beyond

In 2010, ABFE developed one of the first racial equity frameworks in philanthropy, aimed at guiding the sector's efforts to make strategic investments in Black communities. This framework is the foundation of ABFE’s Philanthropic Advising Services, and its elements include community organizing and constituency engagement, policy and systems change, leadership and infrastructure development, research and data, and narrative change.

Learn more about the Framework