Black nonprofit executives play an important role in solving many of society’s most critical problems and improving the lives of historically marginalized communities. However, Black leaders often face deep structural barriers such as disparities in resource acquisition and allocation, amassing the social capital required to build relationships with funders, and finding spaces for peer networking and support. Isolated and grossly under-resourced within the sector, Black leaders are expected to function and succeed even when they are met with dysfunctional systems that stymie their progress . Identifying ways to face and eliminate these challenges is essential if equity is ever going to be advanced and efficiency achieved in the nonprofit sector .
Funding and Resource Challenges
One of the main challenges Black nonprofit executives face in leading their organizations is the disparity in funding allocated to Black-led organizations. There is an enormous gulf between the financial resources available for Black nonprofits and those available to their white-led counterparts. A study by Wong et al. found that organizations with Black CEOs receive less funding than organizations with white CEOs. This difference is attributed to racial bias in philanthropy, often playing out through unequal and inequitable access to social networks and social capital critical for effective and efficient fundraising .
Black leaders often struggle with limited access to wealthy and influential networks, which is key to successful fundraising. The sector’s philanthropic structures, built around relationships, often exclude Black leaders, further perpetuating inequity . Without the “right” connections, many Black nonprofit executives are forced to operate on the margins, with fewer resources and less visibility, creating a cycle that hinders organizational growth .
Navigating Power Dynamics
In addition to funding challenges, Black leaders must navigate complex power dynamics in their interactions with funders and donors. Many report feeling that interactions with funders are often one-sided and question their expertise and efforts . AJ Lockett, Executive Director of Que Blackout, says, “The gatekeepers and their language in interactions make the process feel like I am an inconvenience in their day. The relationship can be very one-sided” .
These dynamics lead to debilitating cycles where Black leaders need to prove themselves over and over again, a burden that White nonprofit leaders do not bear nearly as often . It is also more difficult for Black executives to break in or make inroads with potential donors and networks of philanthropists when no introductions or referrals are involved, compounding inequitable access to resources .
Heightened Expectations and Scrutiny
It is also true that Black nonprofit executives often face increased, often unattainable, expectations, especially regarding advancing racial equity in their organizations. As the Race to Lead report highlights, Black nonprofit leaders are often expected to be the face of racial equity efforts within their organizations, which places undue pressure on them to achieve significant outcomes despite often lacking the necessary support and resources.
This places additional burdens on already overstretched leaders. At the same time, Black leaders must manage external pressure, much of which stems from funders, that unduly burdens their performance . This double bind often leads to paralysis, whereby Black leaders are charged with solving intractable societal problems while they continue to fight structural bias .
Building Trust and Relationships
In such a complex landscape, an opportunity—and responsibility—exists for funders and boards to better support Black nonprofit executives. As Evelyn McGovern, cofounder and president at Women of Color, emphatically underlined, “Funders need to find out and be more engaged in what’s happening in the community” . Relationships based on trust are critical and must be fostered.
Additionally, there is a need for a dramatic shift in how Black-led organizations are viewed. These organizations should be respected for their competency and the efficacy of their work. Funders committed to equity, impact, and measurable outcomes must dismantle the transactional nature of their relationships and acknowledge the depth of lived experience that Black leaders bring to the table . Despite these challenges, many Black nonprofit leaders have succeeded in finding ways to overcome these barriers .
Despite these challenges, many Black nonprofit leaders have succeeded by finding ways to overcome these barriers. While some Black executives are thriving, others are not. The nonprofit and philanthropist ecosystems must recognize that without these Black leaders, we cannot fully face our societal challenges. The sector at large can support Black leaders in the following ways:
- Peer Support: Positive feedback and support from peers and funders are critical in developing an organization’s hardiness. Peers build each other’s knowledge. The sharing of knowledge and professional experiences leads to more effective ways to address common challenges .
- Funder Support and Capacity Building: Funders can support Black-led nonprofits through direct, flexible, multi-year funding to drive transformational capacity building .
- Leadership Development: Mentorship, coaching, and professional development can support Black leaders in navigating complex challenges and, thus, realizing sustainable success in their positions .
Building an Equitable Future for Black Nonprofit Executives
Addressing the challenges faced by Black nonprofit executives is mission-critical to promote an equitable and effective nonprofit sector. The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy emphasizes that Black leaders bring invaluable insight and lived experience to their work, which the nonprofit ecosystem must recognize and support . Black nonprofit executives often face barriers that hinder their leadership effectiveness and career advancement, making it crucial for the sector to acknowledge and respect the unique expertise they offer .
By fostering equitable funding, cultivating support for Black nonprofit executives, investing in capacity-building programs, and developing trust-based relationships, the nonprofit ecosystem can support Black leaders in continuing to drive positive change in their communities . Equity Sings is here to assist in this work. Our comprehensive offerings support Black nonprofit executives as well as their organizations.
