Massachusetts, like many states, has a complex history when it comes to race. The same state that was a hotbed of the abolition movement has also grappled with a reputation for deeply rooted systemic racism.

Every state and community in our country has its own history to understand and its own wrongs to rectify. At the New Commonwealth Fund, our mission is rooted in the belief that the best way to disrupt systemic racism is to invest in the leaders and organizations closest to those communities. And although philanthropy’s mission is to make these investments, the sector itself is steeped in structural inequities, resulting in the under-indexing of financial investments for Black- and Brown-led nonprofits.

Despite being more representative of the communities they serve and more responsive to community aspirations, and making vital contributions to their communities, Black- and Brown-led organizations often face significant barriers in accessing adequate funding. This discrepancy not only limits the potential positive impact of these nonprofits but also perpetuates systemic inequalities.

Efforts to rectify this inequity and lead to a more equitable distribution of resources must encompass various strategies. Here are a few worth highlighting:

  • Invest state funds directly in Black and Brown nonprofit leaders.
  • Intentionally direct philanthropic resources to Black and Brown leaders.
  • Change the culture of impact measurement and tracking approaches.

Read the full article about tackling inequity by Makeeba McCreary, Ed.D. at Forbes.