that should be on your radar
better and more equitable place on local, national, and global levels.
1
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund
Founded by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, the WISE Fund is dedicated to supporting underfunded organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and women of color across the globe. These organizations focus on innovative solutions to the most critical challenges faced by low-income communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental injustice. The WISE Fund seeks to bridge the gap in resources and recognition for women leaders at the forefront of transformative change in these areas.
⭐ Impact: This groundbreaking Black-led charity not only provides funding but also offers mentorship, coaching, and community-building opportunities for Black and allied women leaders. It prioritizes holistic well-being for its participants, fostering sustainable leadership in the face of adversity. Additionally, the WISE Fund is the producer of Black Philanthropy Month, an award-winning global initiative that celebrates Black giving and drives action toward increased investment in Black leadership and philanthropy. Launched in 2011, this annual observance has become a vital platform for raising awareness and mobilizing support for equitable change across sectors, amplifying the voices of Black donors, changemakers, and communities.
⭐ Impact: This groundbreaking Black-led charity not only provides funding but also offers mentorship, coaching, and community-building opportunities for Black and allied women leaders. It prioritizes holistic well-being for its participants, fostering sustainable leadership in the face of adversity. Additionally, the WISE Fund is the producer of Black Philanthropy Month, an award-winning global initiative that celebrates Black giving and drives action toward increased investment in Black leadership and philanthropy. Launched in 2011, this annual observance has become a vital platform for raising awareness and mobilizing support for equitable change across sectors, amplifying the voices of Black donors, changemakers, and communities.
2
Black Farmer Fund
The Black Farmer Fund was established in 2020 to address the historic racial inequities faced by Black farmers and food entrepreneurs in the Northeast. Its mission is to empower Black-owned businesses in the broader farming and food system by providing them with access to the capital and resources necessary for success. The fund recognizes the long-standing barriers to financing faced by Black farmers and aims to create an inclusive and equitable food economy that supports sustainable growth, wealth-building, and community resilience.
⭐ Impact: Since its inception, the Black Farmer Fund has raised over $12 million, which has been instrumental in providing low-interest loans, grants, and technical assistance to Black farmers and food businesses. This funding has enabled them to expand operations, invest in sustainable practices, and build wealth within their communities. Beyond financial support, the fund also fosters a network of Black food entrepreneurs, offering mentorship and educational opportunities to help them navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector. Through its efforts, the Black Farmer Fund is working to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that Black farmers have a thriving future in the region’s food economy.
⭐ Impact: Since its inception, the Black Farmer Fund has raised over $12 million, which has been instrumental in providing low-interest loans, grants, and technical assistance to Black farmers and food businesses. This funding has enabled them to expand operations, invest in sustainable practices, and build wealth within their communities. Beyond financial support, the fund also fosters a network of Black food entrepreneurs, offering mentorship and educational opportunities to help them navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector. Through its efforts, the Black Farmer Fund is working to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that Black farmers have a thriving future in the region’s food economy.
3
Black Girls Code
Black geeks unite! Black Girls Code is a pioneering Black-led organization founded by Kimberly Bryant, a self-proclaimed "nerdy mom," with the mission of creating more opportunities for Black girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Recognizing the lack of representation for Black women in tech, Bryant launched the organization to empower young girls of color with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to succeed in the fast-growing tech industry.
⭐ Impact: With chapters across the country, Black Girls Code is on a mission to train one million girls by 2040 to "lead, innovate, and create" in the tech world. The organization offers hands-on workshops, coding camps, and mentoring programs that teach coding, robotics, and app development. By fostering a supportive community and providing real-world STEM experience, Black Girls Code is shaping the next generation of tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The organization also advocates for diversity in the tech sector, aiming to close the racial and gender gap in STEM fields while building a pipeline of future talent that reflects the world’s diversity.
⭐ Impact: With chapters across the country, Black Girls Code is on a mission to train one million girls by 2040 to "lead, innovate, and create" in the tech world. The organization offers hands-on workshops, coding camps, and mentoring programs that teach coding, robotics, and app development. By fostering a supportive community and providing real-world STEM experience, Black Girls Code is shaping the next generation of tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The organization also advocates for diversity in the tech sector, aiming to close the racial and gender gap in STEM fields while building a pipeline of future talent that reflects the world’s diversity.
4
Children’s Defense Fund
For decades, the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) has been a leading force in the fight against child poverty and a tireless advocate for improving the quality of life in marginalized African American communities. Founded by civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman, CDF serves as a moral compass for those working to dismantle systemic inequalities. One of its key initiatives is addressing the "Cradle to Prison Pipeline," a devastating cycle that disproportionately affects Black children and their families by funneling vulnerable youth from underfunded schools into the criminal justice system.
⭐ Impact: Since 1995, CDF's Freedom Schools program has provided an empowering educational experience for over 200,000 K-12 scholars. Designed to combat summer learning loss and promote literacy, Freedom Schools offer culturally enriching curricula that help students excel academically while fostering a love of reading and self-confidence. More than just an academic program, CDF Freedom Schools also teach children leadership skills and encourage civic engagement. By investing in the potential of Black youth, the CDF is not only improving educational outcomes but also nurturing the next generation of changemakers and community leaders.
⭐ Impact: Since 1995, CDF's Freedom Schools program has provided an empowering educational experience for over 200,000 K-12 scholars. Designed to combat summer learning loss and promote literacy, Freedom Schools offer culturally enriching curricula that help students excel academically while fostering a love of reading and self-confidence. More than just an academic program, CDF Freedom Schools also teach children leadership skills and encourage civic engagement. By investing in the potential of Black youth, the CDF is not only improving educational outcomes but also nurturing the next generation of changemakers and community leaders.
5
Black Male Voter Project
The Black Male Voter Project is tackling the deep-rooted legacy of disenfranchisement and voter suppression faced by Black men—from the era of slavery to the modern-day effects of the New Jim Crow. The organization is dedicated to engaging Black men in the electoral process, recognizing the critical role their voices play in shaping policy and creating systemic change. By addressing barriers to voting and building a culture of political participation, the Black Male Voter Project seeks to empower Black men to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
⭐ Impact: Under the leadership of Mondale Robinson, the Black Male Voter Project has focused its efforts on 17 key states where voter turnout could have a significant impact. The organization has set an ambitious goal of mobilizing 300 million voters, specifically targeting areas where Black men have been historically underrepresented in elections. Through grassroots organizing, outreach, and education, the group aims to not only increase voter turnout but also foster long-term civic engagement among Black men, ensuring their perspectives and interests are reflected in the political landscape. Additionally, the Black Male Voter Project is working to challenge voter suppression tactics and advocate for policies that protect voting rights for marginalized communities.
⭐ Impact: Under the leadership of Mondale Robinson, the Black Male Voter Project has focused its efforts on 17 key states where voter turnout could have a significant impact. The organization has set an ambitious goal of mobilizing 300 million voters, specifically targeting areas where Black men have been historically underrepresented in elections. Through grassroots organizing, outreach, and education, the group aims to not only increase voter turnout but also foster long-term civic engagement among Black men, ensuring their perspectives and interests are reflected in the political landscape. Additionally, the Black Male Voter Project is working to challenge voter suppression tactics and advocate for policies that protect voting rights for marginalized communities.
6
Southerners on New Ground
Southerners on New Ground (SONG) is a grassroots, member-driven organization that brings together LGBTQ+ individuals across the Southern U.S. to build collective power, resilience, and community for people with intersecting marginalized identities, including race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Southerners, SONG works to create a more just and inclusive South where all people can thrive.
⭐ Impact: Since its founding in 1993, SONG has been at the forefront of fostering beloved communities through advocacy, organizing, and coalition-building. The organization drives change by launching strategic campaigns that address issues like racial justice, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to mobilizing communities, SONG provides technical assistance and resources to empower local leaders and organizations. Through its deep-rooted organizing efforts, SONG envisions a South where all people, especially those with multiple marginalized identities, can live with dignity, freedom, and safety. The organization’s work extends beyond traditional activism, creating spaces for healing, connection, and resilience in the face of ongoing systemic oppression.
⭐ Impact: Since its founding in 1993, SONG has been at the forefront of fostering beloved communities through advocacy, organizing, and coalition-building. The organization drives change by launching strategic campaigns that address issues like racial justice, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to mobilizing communities, SONG provides technical assistance and resources to empower local leaders and organizations. Through its deep-rooted organizing efforts, SONG envisions a South where all people, especially those with multiple marginalized identities, can live with dignity, freedom, and safety. The organization’s work extends beyond traditional activism, creating spaces for healing, connection, and resilience in the face of ongoing systemic oppression.
7
PolicyLink
PolicyLink identifies, supports, and amplifies impactful initiatives, both large and small, that significantly improve the well-being of communities and expand access to opportunity. As a national research and action institute, PolicyLink focuses on advancing economic and social equity, particularly for marginalized groups, by advocating for policies that create inclusive, thriving communities.
⭐ Impact: PolicyLink has been a trailblazer in defining and promoting what true racial equity looks like in practice. Partnering with organizations and leaders across the country, they have been instrumental in developing frameworks and strategies for dismantling structural racism and fostering equitable growth. Their work spans key areas such as housing, health, economic justice, and education, addressing the root causes of inequality while pushing for systemic change. Through its influential reports, policy advocacy, and coalition-building efforts, PolicyLink is driving national conversations on equity and setting the standard for what a fairer, more just society requires.
⭐ Impact: PolicyLink has been a trailblazer in defining and promoting what true racial equity looks like in practice. Partnering with organizations and leaders across the country, they have been instrumental in developing frameworks and strategies for dismantling structural racism and fostering equitable growth. Their work spans key areas such as housing, health, economic justice, and education, addressing the root causes of inequality while pushing for systemic change. Through its influential reports, policy advocacy, and coalition-building efforts, PolicyLink is driving national conversations on equity and setting the standard for what a fairer, more just society requires.
8
Color of Change
Color of Change is a powerful, online-based national Black organization with a membership of over 7 million people across the U.S., dedicated to "building Black power, Black joy, and achieving justice." As the largest online racial justice organization in the country, Color of Change focuses on leveraging digital tools and grassroots organizing to advocate for racial equity and systemic change.
⭐ Impact: Since its founding in 2005, Color of Change has consistently challenged harmful portrayals of Black communities in the media, fighting against stereotypes and pushing for accurate, empowering representation. Their bold campaigns tackle issues ranging from criminal justice reform to corporate accountability and voting rights. In addition to its national advocacy, the organization provides a platform for members to create and lead their own local campaigns, empowering communities to take action on the issues that matter most to them. Through strategic partnerships and activism, Color of Change has become a leading force in shaping policy, influencing culture, and fighting for a fairer, more just society.
⭐ Impact: Since its founding in 2005, Color of Change has consistently challenged harmful portrayals of Black communities in the media, fighting against stereotypes and pushing for accurate, empowering representation. Their bold campaigns tackle issues ranging from criminal justice reform to corporate accountability and voting rights. In addition to its national advocacy, the organization provides a platform for members to create and lead their own local campaigns, empowering communities to take action on the issues that matter most to them. Through strategic partnerships and activism, Color of Change has become a leading force in shaping policy, influencing culture, and fighting for a fairer, more just society.
9
Anderson Center for the Arts
The Anderson Center for the Arts, formerly known as the Harris County Cultural Arts Center, is a longstanding nonprofit theater production company located near Houston, Texas. For decades, it has served as a vital cultural hub, offering a platform for Black people and other communities of color in the region to showcase and celebrate their artistic expression. The Center plays a critical role in preserving and promoting diverse cultural heritage through the performing and visual arts.
⭐ Impact: Housed in a 20,000-square-foot facility, the Anderson Center provides space for performances, art exhibits, community events, and advocacy efforts. Its venue is also home to the Harris County Arts Coalition, which unites local artists and organizations to collectively address the challenges facing the arts community, especially the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 on the performing arts sector. In addition to its cultural offerings, the Center serves as a hub for social engagement, fostering collaboration and creativity among artists of color and strengthening the region's vibrant cultural ecosystem.
⭐ Impact: Housed in a 20,000-square-foot facility, the Anderson Center provides space for performances, art exhibits, community events, and advocacy efforts. Its venue is also home to the Harris County Arts Coalition, which unites local artists and organizations to collectively address the challenges facing the arts community, especially the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 on the performing arts sector. In addition to its cultural offerings, the Center serves as a hub for social engagement, fostering collaboration and creativity among artists of color and strengthening the region's vibrant cultural ecosystem.
10
Word in Black
A project of the Local Media Foundation, Word in Black was established by a coalition of ten Black publishers who created the Fund for Black Journalism to address the critical need for local news coverage that authentically represents Black communities. This initiative aims to amplify the voices and stories of Black individuals through robust local journalism.
⭐ Impact: Word in Black is dedicated to ensuring that Black stories are prominently featured in local media across the United States. The platform curates and aggregates high-quality reporting, interviews, op-eds, and other essential content focused on racial justice and Black experiences, making it a vital resource for accessing comprehensive and diverse perspectives. By centralizing and promoting Black-led journalism, Word in Black not only highlights the importance of accurate and inclusive reporting but also supports the broader movement for racial equity in the media landscape.
⭐ Impact: Word in Black is dedicated to ensuring that Black stories are prominently featured in local media across the United States. The platform curates and aggregates high-quality reporting, interviews, op-eds, and other essential content focused on racial justice and Black experiences, making it a vital resource for accessing comprehensive and diverse perspectives. By centralizing and promoting Black-led journalism, Word in Black not only highlights the importance of accurate and inclusive reporting but also supports the broader movement for racial equity in the media landscape.
11
Mill Creek Urban Farm
For twenty years, Mill Creek Urban Farm in West Philadelphia has served as a dynamic hub for community education on environmental sustainability and the promotion of affordable, healthy food access. This green oasis not only enriches the local landscape but also fosters a deeper connection between residents and their food sources.
⭐ Impact: Spanning just one-and-a-half acres, Mill Creek Urban Farm cultivates a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, demonstrating the potential of urban agriculture to provide fresh produce in city settings. The farm operates a community farm stand twice a week, where neighbors can purchase high-quality, locally-grown produce. To ensure accessibility, the farm accepts food stamps, making it easier for all community members to benefit from healthy eating options. In addition to its role in food production, the farm offers educational programs and workshops that engage residents in sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the community.
⭐ Impact: Spanning just one-and-a-half acres, Mill Creek Urban Farm cultivates a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, demonstrating the potential of urban agriculture to provide fresh produce in city settings. The farm operates a community farm stand twice a week, where neighbors can purchase high-quality, locally-grown produce. To ensure accessibility, the farm accepts food stamps, making it easier for all community members to benefit from healthy eating options. In addition to its role in food production, the farm offers educational programs and workshops that engage residents in sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the community.
12
African American Leadership Forum
The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) is a transformative organization that unites Black leaders and organizations across Minnesota to strengthen their collective power and tackle the most pressing issues within their communities. By fostering collaboration and innovation, AALF aims to drive meaningful change and address systemic challenges through a unified approach.
⭐ Impact: Embracing a "Black-Centered Design" model, AALF serves as a growing nexus for leadership development and cross-sector collaboration. This approach prioritizes the perspectives and solutions of those directly impacted by community challenges, ensuring that strategies and initiatives are deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of Black communities. The organization supports a range of activities, including leadership training, advocacy efforts, and community-driven projects, all designed to amplify the voices of Black Minnesotans and promote effective, community-led solutions. Through its work, AALF is building a more equitable and inclusive future by empowering Black leaders to drive systemic change and create lasting impact.
⭐ Impact: Embracing a "Black-Centered Design" model, AALF serves as a growing nexus for leadership development and cross-sector collaboration. This approach prioritizes the perspectives and solutions of those directly impacted by community challenges, ensuring that strategies and initiatives are deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of Black communities. The organization supports a range of activities, including leadership training, advocacy efforts, and community-driven projects, all designed to amplify the voices of Black Minnesotans and promote effective, community-led solutions. Through its work, AALF is building a more equitable and inclusive future by empowering Black leaders to drive systemic change and create lasting impact.
13
Brave Space Alliance
The Brave Space Alliance (BSA) is a Black- and trans-led LGBTQ+ center located on Chicago's South Side, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for BIPOC queer individuals. By integrating mutual aid programs and community support, BSA creates a space where marginalized communities can thrive.
⭐ Impact: BSA’s diverse programs offer crucial resources such as food, housing assistance, and vibrant community-building activities. These initiatives are designed to nurture and grow a robust BIPOC queer community by addressing both immediate needs and long-term well-being. The center operates with a "for us, by us" model, ensuring that its services are culturally competent and affirming to all who engage with them. This approach emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions and self-determination, making BSA a cornerstone of support and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South Side of Chicago. Through its work, the Brave Space Alliance not only meets essential needs but also strengthens connections and builds resilience within its community.
⭐ Impact: BSA’s diverse programs offer crucial resources such as food, housing assistance, and vibrant community-building activities. These initiatives are designed to nurture and grow a robust BIPOC queer community by addressing both immediate needs and long-term well-being. The center operates with a "for us, by us" model, ensuring that its services are culturally competent and affirming to all who engage with them. This approach emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions and self-determination, making BSA a cornerstone of support and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South Side of Chicago. Through its work, the Brave Space Alliance not only meets essential needs but also strengthens connections and builds resilience within its community.
14
Black Arts MKE
Black Arts MKE is a dynamic organization dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, through performing arts programming. Focused on engaging young people and supporting local artists of color, Black Arts MKE provides opportunities for both emerging and established talents to thrive.
⭐ Impact: Each year, Black Arts MKE ensures that 1,500 elementary students have the chance to attend free performances of Black Nativity, fostering an early appreciation for the arts. The organization has hired over 100 local artists of color, offering them valuable platforms to develop their craft and reach wider audiences. Beyond these initiatives, Black Arts MKE is committed to creating inclusive artistic spaces and programs that celebrate and elevate Black voices and experiences. By integrating educational outreach with professional development, the organization plays a crucial role in shaping a vibrant and diverse arts community in Milwaukee.
⭐ Impact: Each year, Black Arts MKE ensures that 1,500 elementary students have the chance to attend free performances of Black Nativity, fostering an early appreciation for the arts. The organization has hired over 100 local artists of color, offering them valuable platforms to develop their craft and reach wider audiences. Beyond these initiatives, Black Arts MKE is committed to creating inclusive artistic spaces and programs that celebrate and elevate Black voices and experiences. By integrating educational outreach with professional development, the organization plays a crucial role in shaping a vibrant and diverse arts community in Milwaukee.
15
Claim Our Space Now
Claim Our Space Now (COSN) is dedicated to amplifying the voices and leadership of Black, queer, and immigrant New Yorkers. True to its name, COSN works actively to ensure that these communities are seen, heard, and empowered.
⭐ Impact: COSN recently organized a successful fundraising event, Rally for Freedom: Pride for All Black Lives, which raised over $10,000. This all-day event celebrated and uplifted Black voices within the LGBTQ+ movement, highlighting the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and immigrant status. Through such initiatives, COSN fosters solidarity and visibility for marginalized groups, creating a platform where their experiences and contributions are recognized and honored. The organization continues to advocate for equity and inclusion, working tirelessly to ensure that Black, queer, and immigrant communities have the space and support they need to thrive.
⭐ Impact: COSN recently organized a successful fundraising event, Rally for Freedom: Pride for All Black Lives, which raised over $10,000. This all-day event celebrated and uplifted Black voices within the LGBTQ+ movement, highlighting the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and immigrant status. Through such initiatives, COSN fosters solidarity and visibility for marginalized groups, creating a platform where their experiences and contributions are recognized and honored. The organization continues to advocate for equity and inclusion, working tirelessly to ensure that Black, queer, and immigrant communities have the space and support they need to thrive.
16
Black Women for Wellness
Black Women for Wellness is a California-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing Black women's health through a comprehensive and holistic approach. The organization integrates community outreach, education, research, and policy advocacy to address the multifaceted challenges affecting Black women.
⭐ Impact: Black Women for Wellness tackles a wide range of issues with its initiatives, including maternal health, diabetes prevention, and healthy hair practices. Additionally, the organization is deeply involved in environmental justice and voter engagement, demonstrating a broad commitment to enhancing overall well-being and empowerment. Their programs are designed to serve as models of effective, community-driven health interventions, emphasizing the importance of addressing both personal and systemic factors in health equity. By combining grassroots activism with strategic advocacy, Black Women for Wellness fosters healthier communities and drives meaningful change on multiple fronts.
⭐ Impact: Black Women for Wellness tackles a wide range of issues with its initiatives, including maternal health, diabetes prevention, and healthy hair practices. Additionally, the organization is deeply involved in environmental justice and voter engagement, demonstrating a broad commitment to enhancing overall well-being and empowerment. Their programs are designed to serve as models of effective, community-driven health interventions, emphasizing the importance of addressing both personal and systemic factors in health equity. By combining grassroots activism with strategic advocacy, Black Women for Wellness fosters healthier communities and drives meaningful change on multiple fronts.
17
The Brotherhood Sister Sol
Originally founded in a Harlem brownstone, The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis) is dedicated to educating, training, and empowering Black and Latinx young people to shape their own futures and drive social change.
⭐ Impact: Since its inception in 1994, BroSis has been at the forefront of developing leadership among Black and Latinx youth. The organization offers a range of wraparound services, including educational support, skills training, and mentorship, to equip young New Yorkers with the tools they need to become effective organizers and advocates. BroSis’s programs focus on fostering leadership, social justice, and community engagement, preparing youth to address systemic challenges and advocate for meaningful change. Through its comprehensive approach, The Brotherhood Sister Sol not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the broader community by nurturing the next generation of activists and leaders.
⭐ Impact: Since its inception in 1994, BroSis has been at the forefront of developing leadership among Black and Latinx youth. The organization offers a range of wraparound services, including educational support, skills training, and mentorship, to equip young New Yorkers with the tools they need to become effective organizers and advocates. BroSis’s programs focus on fostering leadership, social justice, and community engagement, preparing youth to address systemic challenges and advocate for meaningful change. Through its comprehensive approach, The Brotherhood Sister Sol not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the broader community by nurturing the next generation of activists and leaders.
18
A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center
Historian and professor of Black Studies A.J. Williams-Myers was a revered scholar and resource for Black historical knowledge in New York's Hudson Valley. In his honor, the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center was established in Kingston, NY, as a community hub and cultural library dedicated to preserving and celebrating African heritage.
⭐ Impact: The center plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and education by exploring the African roots experience through a vibrant exchange of information, ideas, and creativity. It provides resources and programs that delve into African history, culture, and contributions, offering dynamic learning opportunities for all ages. The A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center not only serves as a repository of knowledge but also as a space for community engagement and cultural enrichment. By honoring the legacy of A.J. Williams-Myers, the center continues to foster a deeper understanding of Black history and strengthen cultural connections within the Hudson Valley and beyond.
⭐ Impact: The center plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and education by exploring the African roots experience through a vibrant exchange of information, ideas, and creativity. It provides resources and programs that delve into African history, culture, and contributions, offering dynamic learning opportunities for all ages. The A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center not only serves as a repository of knowledge but also as a space for community engagement and cultural enrichment. By honoring the legacy of A.J. Williams-Myers, the center continues to foster a deeper understanding of Black history and strengthen cultural connections within the Hudson Valley and beyond.
19
International Black Film Festival
The International Black Film Festival (IBFF), located in Nashville, TN, is dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of Black artistic voices from around the globe. Through its exceptional programming, IBFF highlights and celebrates the creative achievements of Black filmmakers and artists year after year.
⭐ Impact: As the sole African-American film festival in Tennessee, IBFF has been a vital platform for amplifying the stories and perspectives of “underserved and unheard voices” for over two decades. The festival brings together a wide array of films, documentaries, and creative works from around the world, providing invaluable exposure and opportunities for emerging and established Black artists. By fostering an inclusive space for dialogue and cultural exchange, IBFF plays a crucial role in enriching the cultural landscape and advancing the representation of Black voices in the film industry.
⭐ Impact: As the sole African-American film festival in Tennessee, IBFF has been a vital platform for amplifying the stories and perspectives of “underserved and unheard voices” for over two decades. The festival brings together a wide array of films, documentaries, and creative works from around the world, providing invaluable exposure and opportunities for emerging and established Black artists. By fostering an inclusive space for dialogue and cultural exchange, IBFF plays a crucial role in enriching the cultural landscape and advancing the representation of Black voices in the film industry.
20
The Hope Gain Center
The Hope Gain Center is a Black-led nonprofit dedicated to dismantling barriers to employment for individuals with mental health disabilities. The organization focuses on creating equitable job opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for people facing these challenges.
⭐ Impact: The Hope Gain Center enhances employment prospects by offering comprehensive skill-building programs and hands-on work experience tailored to individuals with mental health disabilities. Additionally, HGC collaborates with employers to expand hiring practices, particularly emphasizing remote work opportunities, which can be more accessible for those with diverse backgrounds. Through its initiatives, the organization not only helps individuals gain valuable skills but also advocates for inclusive workplace practices that accommodate and celebrate mental health diversity. By bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, the Hope Gain Center plays a crucial role in promoting economic independence and well-being for those it serves.
⭐ Impact: The Hope Gain Center enhances employment prospects by offering comprehensive skill-building programs and hands-on work experience tailored to individuals with mental health disabilities. Additionally, HGC collaborates with employers to expand hiring practices, particularly emphasizing remote work opportunities, which can be more accessible for those with diverse backgrounds. Through its initiatives, the organization not only helps individuals gain valuable skills but also advocates for inclusive workplace practices that accommodate and celebrate mental health diversity. By bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, the Hope Gain Center plays a crucial role in promoting economic independence and well-being for those it serves.
21
Creative Justice
Creative Justice is dedicated to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline through innovative healing arts programs and providing essential services and restitution relief in the Seattle area. The organization leverages creative expression as a powerful tool for healing and social change.
⭐ Impact: Creative Justice has made a significant impact through its compelling fundraising campaign, which encourages non-Black salaried professionals who are enjoying paid time off on Juneteenth to donate their wages to support Black-led community organizations. This initiative not only raises crucial funds for the organization's work but also fosters solidarity and commitment to racial justice. In addition to its fundraising efforts, Creative Justice offers a range of programs designed to support youth affected by the criminal justice system, promote creative expression, and advocate for systemic change. By integrating the arts with advocacy and direct support, Creative Justice is working to transform lives and create more equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.
⭐ Impact: Creative Justice has made a significant impact through its compelling fundraising campaign, which encourages non-Black salaried professionals who are enjoying paid time off on Juneteenth to donate their wages to support Black-led community organizations. This initiative not only raises crucial funds for the organization's work but also fosters solidarity and commitment to racial justice. In addition to its fundraising efforts, Creative Justice offers a range of programs designed to support youth affected by the criminal justice system, promote creative expression, and advocate for systemic change. By integrating the arts with advocacy and direct support, Creative Justice is working to transform lives and create more equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.
22
Norview Cardinals
No Black-led nonprofit is too small to make a difference! The Norview Cardinals, a youth football program based in Virginia, is dedicated to serving predominantly Black families. The program provides children with opportunities to engage in football and cheerleading, promoting both enjoyment and skill development.
⭐ Impact: The Cardinals recently launched a successful team fundraising campaign, rallying nearly 200 supporters to contribute and help cover the costs of their fall season. This outpouring of community support ensures that every child can participate in the program, regardless of financial constraints. By fostering teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness, the Norview Cardinals play a vital role in enriching the lives of young people and strengthening community ties.
⭐ Impact: The Cardinals recently launched a successful team fundraising campaign, rallying nearly 200 supporters to contribute and help cover the costs of their fall season. This outpouring of community support ensures that every child can participate in the program, regardless of financial constraints. By fostering teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness, the Norview Cardinals play a vital role in enriching the lives of young people and strengthening community ties.
23
Caribbean With Purpose
Caribbean With Purpose is a nonprofit organization committed to combating illiteracy in the Caribbean by enhancing students' reading skills and overall academic performance. The organization focuses on providing comprehensive educational support to help children succeed.
⭐ Impact: Caribbean With Purpose recently spearheaded an effective peer-to-peer campaign as part of their summer months of giving fundraiser. This initiative aimed to raise funds for their holistic educational resources, which support kids in Jamaica and other under-resourced Caribbean communities. The campaign successfully mobilized community involvement, drawing attention to the importance of literacy and educational equity. Through their efforts, Caribbean With Purpose is making significant strides in improving educational outcomes and fostering a love of reading among young learners in the region.
⭐ Impact: Caribbean With Purpose recently spearheaded an effective peer-to-peer campaign as part of their summer months of giving fundraiser. This initiative aimed to raise funds for their holistic educational resources, which support kids in Jamaica and other under-resourced Caribbean communities. The campaign successfully mobilized community involvement, drawing attention to the importance of literacy and educational equity. Through their efforts, Caribbean With Purpose is making significant strides in improving educational outcomes and fostering a love of reading among young learners in the region.
24
Life Renewed
Life Renewed, a Black-led nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing crucial support to individuals who have experienced abuse by intimate partners. The organization focuses on offering comprehensive assistance and resources to help survivors rebuild their lives.
⭐ Impact: Life Renewed is currently undertaking a significant project: constructing its first domestic violence shelter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This new facility will serve as a vital safe haven for women and children seeking refuge from domestic abuse. By creating a secure and supportive environment, Life Renewed aims to provide survivors with the stability and resources needed for recovery and empowerment. In addition to the shelter, the organization offers a range of services, including counseling, legal assistance, and community outreach, to address the complex needs of those affected by intimate partner violence.
⭐ Impact: Life Renewed is currently undertaking a significant project: constructing its first domestic violence shelter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This new facility will serve as a vital safe haven for women and children seeking refuge from domestic abuse. By creating a secure and supportive environment, Life Renewed aims to provide survivors with the stability and resources needed for recovery and empowerment. In addition to the shelter, the organization offers a range of services, including counseling, legal assistance, and community outreach, to address the complex needs of those affected by intimate partner violence.
25
Drexell and Honeybees Donations-Only Restaurant
Drexel and Honeybees Donations-Only Restaurant, a volunteer-run establishment in Brewton, Alabama, is dedicated to providing delicious, free meals to everyone in the community. By operating on a donations-only model, the restaurant ensures that no one goes hungry, fostering a spirit of generosity and support.
⭐ Impact: Since opening in 2018, Drexel and Honeybees has served over 120,000 meals, making a significant impact in their local area. Their mission, encapsulated in the hashtag #FeedTheNeed, is to continue addressing food insecurity and building a stronger, more connected community. The restaurant not only offers nutritious meals but also creates a welcoming environment where community members can come together, share stories, and support one another. Through their ongoing efforts, Drexel and Honeybees exemplify the power of community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
⭐ Impact: Since opening in 2018, Drexel and Honeybees has served over 120,000 meals, making a significant impact in their local area. Their mission, encapsulated in the hashtag #FeedTheNeed, is to continue addressing food insecurity and building a stronger, more connected community. The restaurant not only offers nutritious meals but also creates a welcoming environment where community members can come together, share stories, and support one another. Through their ongoing efforts, Drexel and Honeybees exemplify the power of community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
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