The nonprofit sector plays a crucial role in addressing social issues and advocating for change. However, despite its mission to create a more equitable world, the sector itself faces a significant racial leadership gap. Over the years, efforts have been made to address this gap through various fellowship programs and coaching models targeted at BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) leaders. However, the root of the problem with the nonprofit racial leadership gap lies deeper than the talent pipeline issue.

In this article, pulling from my vast experience in helping guide underserved communities to realize their full potential despite barriers such as the nonprofit racial leadership gap, I will explore some of the challenges I see BIPOC leaders in the nonprofit sector facing and how the context in which they operate must be addressed, and I will propose alternative solutions to foster a more diverse and inclusive leadership landscape.

The Reality of the Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap

A few years ago, data revealed that 80% of nonprofit employees in New York City were people of color, with 80% of those being women. Despite this, the percentage of nonprofits led by people of color, especially women of color, has remained stagnant. According to a 2021 study, Leading with Intent, 78% of board members are white and 83% of board chairs are white, while Black CEOs make up 5% of nonprofit leaders and Latinx CEOs make up 3% of nonprofit leaders.

The nonprofit racial leadership gap is not due to a lack of talent. Instead, it is rooted in the makeup of nonprofit boards that overwhelmingly lack diversity and often fail to reflect the communities these organizations serve. It is a phenomenon referred to as occupational hierarchy. Nonprofit boards are responsible for hiring nonprofit CEOs, making it crucial to acknowledge that the lack of representation at this decision-making level has a devastating effect on diverse representation among nonprofit leaders.

Addressing the Core Issues Behind the Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap

Fellowships, workshops and coaching models have been created to address the pipeline dilemma and prepare BIPOC leaders for executive roles, addressing the nonprofit racial leadership gap. However, this approach has failed to make a substantial impact on access to C-suite positions. The core issues lie in the lack of access to essential skills-based professional development, mentoring and sponsorship for BIPOC leaders. These resources are crucial for organic preparation and empowerment for increasing leadership roles within the sector.

Read the full article about the nonprofit racial leadership gap by Danielle Moss Cox at Forbes.