While the US continues to reckon with its long-simmering struggle against racial injustice, it is important to remember that racism is not just a homegrown problem – we are also exporting it.

In the US, black-led organisations are on average 24% smaller in terms of revenue, with 76% less unrestricted funding – the gold standard of grant-making. If you are a woman of colour leading a nonprofit, your odds of being funded are even lower, with a minuscule 0.6% of foundation funding targeted at this group.

Worldwide, more than 99% of humanitarian and philanthropic funding goes to predominantly white-led international NGOs. Despite Africa’s growing and dynamic social sector, only 5.2% of US foundation giving to Africa goes to African-led organisations.

Global giving to Africa needs its own Black Lives Matter reckoning.

Grassroots organisations are consistently delivering impact at the frontlines – without the benefit of frontline funding
There is power in proximity. Shifting our giving to prioritise leaders who are African is not only more just – it is more effective. When the global pandemic hit, guess which NGOs pulled staff and fled the continent? Here’s a hint: it wasn’t the locally led organisations. Just as with endless previous crises, African-led organisations have risen to the occasion and delivered to communities when others cannot. This isn’t new. Grassroots organisations are consistently delivering impact at the frontlines – without the benefit of frontline funding.

Read the full article about funding African-led philanthropy in Africa by Dedo Baranshamaje and Katie Bunten-Wamaru at the Guardian.