ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities

ABFE is a membership-based philanthropic organization that advocates for responsive and transformative investments in Black communities. Partnering with foundations, nonprofits and individuals, ABFE provides its members with professional development and technical assistance resources that further the philanthropic sector’s connection and responsiveness to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion. Established in 1971 as the Association of Black Foundation Executives, the all-volunteer organization was credited with many of philanthropy’s early gains in diversity. It since has evolved into a fully staffed, influential network. In 2013, the organization shed its descriptor and adopted the simpler ABFE (ab-fee) to better reflect its broadening membership. Learn more.

Contributions

The Case for Funding Black-Led Social Change: Redlining by Another Name – What the Data Says to Move from Rhetoric to Action

Posted on September 21, 2020 by ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities

In late 2015, BSCFN was birthed from a partnership between ABFE and the Hill-Snowdon Foundation. In March of 2017, BSCFN released The Case for Funding Black-Led Social Change—its first case statement. In accordance with its primary goal—to help vitalize and strengthen the infrastructure for Black-led social change by advocating for much greater philanthropic investment—BSCFN has developed several critical research questions… Read More

Guiding a Giving Response to Anti-Black Injustice

Posted on September 21, 2020 by ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, The Bridgespan Group

ABFE and The Bridgespan Group offer here a set of six principles, greatly informed by Black movement leaders and funders of Black-led social change, which can guide funders seeking to support racial justice and thriving Black lives in the United States… Read More

A Call to Action: Trustee Advocacy to Advance Opportunity for Black Communities in Philanthropy

Posted on August 24, 2020 by ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities

Black professionals’ opportunities to lead in foundations in senior positions and the pipeline for Black talent for the institution; Opportunities for Black professional services and vendors to do business with the philanthropic sector; and Expanded foundation funding in Black communities in ways that are effective and responsible to the issues impacting our lives. This Call to Action includes specific ways… Read More