Giving Compass' Take:

• Byrd Barr Place, Seattle Foundation, and Cardea share insights from a survey of Black-led organizations in King County to inform donor decisions. 

• What are you already doing to support Black-led organizations? What can you do too better support Black-led organizations? 

• Read one donor family's account of supporting the Movement for Black Lives. 

Findings:

  1. BLOs primarily focus on serving Seattle residents, and nearly half serve South King County residents
  2. Most BLOs have limited full-time staff and robust volunteer support
  3. BLOs’ advisory structures are primarily boards of directors with predominantly Black membership
  4. BLOs address a wide range of issues that impact the Black community
  5. BLOs most commonly reported strong missions; skilled leadership, staff, and boards; and longevity as key strengths
  6. Reported budget size varied widely, with BLOs most commonly reporting an operating budget less than $250,000
  7. Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents reported three months or less of operating cash reserves
  8. Funding sources vary widely among BLOs
  9. Insufficient staff capacity was identified as a primary challenge in securing funding
  10. Insufficient funding is a common challenge
  11. BLOs reported dramatic and immediate impacts related to COVID-19 that amplified existing systemic inequities
  12. Trust, clear communication, and desire to collaborate emerged as the most important facilitators of partnership
  13. BLOs reported limited awareness of the vast number of BLOs, but deep relationships within their networks

Recommendations:

  1. Involve and trust BLOs’ expertise, directly share funding opportunities, and dedicate funding specifically for BLOs
  2. Minimize barriers, value qualitative insights, invest in capacity building, and make decision-making processes transparent