Around the world, intersectional movements for social justice are often being led by Black women from all backgrounds guided by feminist principles. From Sudan to Brazil, Black feminists are at the forefront addressing our most serious global issues today, from challenging authoritarian governments to fighting systemic racism and sexism, climate change and more. Even as Black feminists bear the brunt of these oppressive systems, they have proven effective in efforts to dismantle them—despite a major lack of resources.

In 2018, out of nearly $70 billion in foundation giving globally, less than half of one percent went to Black feminist social movements. Within more targeted human rights philanthropy, only five percent of funded organizations focused on issues affecting Black women, girls and trans and gender non-conforming people. And just one grant was given to support international Black feminist organizing.

This year, a new philanthropic organization, the Black Feminist Fund (BFF), was launched to tackle that problem. Created in partnership with women’s movements across the globe and led by three veterans of philanthropy and social justice—Hakima Abbas, Amina Doherty, and Tynesha McHarris—the fund is a first-of-its-kind vehicle focused explicitly on supporting Black feminist movements. With close to $30 million in seed investments from the Ford Foundation, Solidaire, Farbman Family Foundation, among others, BFF seeks to raise $100 million over the next two years to provide long-term, flexible support to Black feminist groups in Africa, the Americas and Europe. It will concentrate on groups working on issues such as violence prevention, resource rights around land, food and water, and cultivating the leadership of girls and young Black feminists.

This past August, during Black Philanthropy Month, BFF’s founders spoke with Ford about their mission, the role of Black feminists in creating change, and their plans to shake up philanthropy.

Read the full article about Black Feminist Fund at Ford Foundation.