SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Each year on Giving Tuesday, people around the world donate to a good cause. But when it comes to giving, disparities exist.
A study published earlier this year by George Mason University shows nonprofits led by people of color get less funding compared to nonprofits led by white people.
A 2020 report by the Echoing Green and Bridgespan Group, two leading philanthropic organizations, titled "Racial Equity and Philanthropy: Disparities in Funding for Leaders of Color Leave Impact on the Table," highlights how race remains a defining factor in who gets support and funding and how much they receive.
The report also explains color-blind grantmaking, even when grounded in a well-meaning attempt at equity, is the crux of the problem. The report encourages donors who care about supporting social change to think more intentionally and proactively about race and racial equity.
Lisa Carlson is with the nonprofit Black Womxn United in Sacramento. Black Womxn United started in 2017. The nonprofit is "dedicated to the education, empowerment, and advancement of All Black womxn and girls."
"I think it's important that when people give, they understand that equity is part of that," said Carlson. "Supporting organizations led by people of color is crucial in many ways, like economically, emotionally, professionally, generational wealth and legacy."
Black Womxn United offers several programs and services like Work It Girl. It's a professional and personal development workshop series. Black Queer and Here is a monthly mental wellness experience supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Black Girls Matter is an educational experience focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM).
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"Our mission is to evolve Black women to the next level by empowering them and encouraging them to use everything about them that makes them unique and authentic in their communities," said Carlson. "Funding helps to ensure the resources that are needed to continue to do the work that we do are always there. As a board member, I do not get paid. None of us get paid. We do this work because we understand the value for the future."
Jorge Quintana is with the Latino Center of Art and Culture in Sacramento. The center was founded in 1972. It offers Latino programs, art education workshops and a community gathering space.
Some of the events include Día del Niño, or Day of the children, and El Panteón de Sacramento, recognizing Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
"We're a nonprofit, so we do depend on donors, volunteers and sponsors," said Quintana. "The mission of the Latino Center of Art and Culture is to uplift and uphold the narratives and stories of the Latin American people in Sacramento."
Quintana goes on to explain the importance of giving, not just during Giving Tuesday, but year-round.
"When you donate, you are giving us the opportunity to create educational experiences for everyone and you're giving us the opportunity to make sure that our events stay free or as accessible as possible," said Quintana. "Please donate to us because we want to keep these events and programs going for many more years to come."
To make a donation to the Latino Center of Art and Culture, click here.
To make a donation to Black Womxn United, click here.
You can learn more about Giving Tuesday or how to support other nonprofits by visiting the campaign website.
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