Community Powered Prosperity
This June marks four years since our founding. All of us at the Black Future Co-op Fund want to thank you for supporting our mission to ignite Black generational wealth, health, and well-being. Our community of supporters are our power and prosperity. Realizing our vision of a Washington state where all Black people are liberated, prosperous, and self-determined will take each of us showing up and doing our part.
We are so appreciative of all you have done — and continue to do — to support our work. Your contributions to the Black Future Co-op Fund these past four years are truly invaluable. Here are the ways your support has made a measurable impact for Black Washingtonians.
We See You Grants
Invested $5.4 million of unrestricted grant funding in 80 Black-led and -serving organizations across Washington.
This number will increase to $8 million and 100 Black-led and serving organizations when we announce our next round of We See You grants later this summer. Organizations have deeply appreciated being seen and not having to jump through hoops to receive multi-year funding to use as they want.
Strategic Framework
Developed and began implementing a three-year strategic plan, grounded in four primary areas of impact to move us closer to our mission of building Black generational wealth, health, and well-being.
We’re making progress on our plan by developing community engagement and fundraising plans, amplifying truthful Black narratives through our communications, and building operations and organizational infrastructure, like a contact database.
Listening Tour
Hosted seven listening sessions across the state to connect with and hear from Black nonprofit and community leaders about the specific needs of their region and ideas for building Black liberation and prosperity.
The insights, ideas, and stories community shared are deeply appreciated and will shape our work ahead. We will be developing a report with all of the learnings we gathered and look forward to sharing it back with community.
Black Well-Being Report
Launched the audiobook of the Black well-being report, which is rooted in 1,000 Black voices statewide, and outlines community-identified approaches.
Both the Black Well-being audiobook and report have been broadly shared and discussed among community members across the state to support collective organizing, inform policy, and direct resources to Black-led solutions.
Truthful Black Narratives
Continuously put forward truthful Black narratives on our social media channels and through traditional media engagements.
We have partnered with artists, advocates, community leaders, and our grantees to elevate Black stories to thousands of followers.
Black Philanthropy Month
Organized Black Philanthropy Month in Washington state with a coalition of partners and, over three years, have organized six panel conversations elevating the legacy of Black giving and encouraging increased investment in Black communities.
And, we’re in the midst of planning for this year’s Black Philanthropy Month in August. Stay tuned for ways you can get involved.
Sponsorships
Provided $47,000 in sponsorships to support Black-centered events, such as Juneteenth celebrations in Tacoma and the Tri-Cities.
These organizations, which often have been overlooked by traditional philanthropy, received flexible funding to uplift their culture, heritage and traditions in their communities.
Amplify Partnerships
Facilitated partnerships that amplify Black-led philanthropy with Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Storm, and the Seattle Seahawks.
By amplifying the Fund and our grantees to their fans, our partners are expanding awareness of the ways Black Washingtonians are shaping our state.
Community Powered Prosperity
Engaged more than 1,350 donors to raise $27.4 million of our $50 million goal, which has enabled us to increase visibility of Black leadership and stories of impact across the state, invest in the capacity of Black-led organizations and businesses, while working to shift the philanthropic paradigm.
Thank you!
While we’re a young organization that is finding its way, these four years have reinforced for us that we are on the right path. As we look to year five, we are excited by the opportunity in front of us. On our listening tour we saw hope, determination, joy, and ingenuity in every region of our state. The Black well-being report laid out community identified approaches to address some of the most persistent barriers for Black Washingtonians. We know we have the talent and tools within our Black communities to make our vision a reality.
Thank you for your support! We see you!
T’wina Nobles, CEO and Co-architect
Michelle Merriweather, Co-architect
Angela Jones, J.D., Co-architect
Andrea Caupain, Co-architect