Do you know a woman of color in the funder universe with ambition for greater impact? Read On!
Black Fox Philanthropy began the Black Fox Fellows program in 2019 to support women of color in philanthropy in achieving ever-higher levels of influence. Each year, the program sends up to four Fellows to Opportunity Collaboration (OC), an annual “unconference” centered on alleviating global poverty and intersecting social issues. Scroll to the bottom of this post for information on nominating a Black Fox Fellow for 2023!
As shared in a previous blog, the birth of the Fellowship came in 2018 with a wake up call at the Women Moving Millions summit. The pivotal moment came when Vanessa Daniel of Groundswell Fund shared from the stage: “If you are not actively working to dismantle racism, then you are on the moving sidewalk contributing to it.” I felt both shock and a visceral ache. I fancy myself a good person, and yet there I was … on the moving sidewalk.
At that time I didn’t know yet what I could contribute that could shift things as urgently as I felt, and as urgently as was needed. So in crafting a Fellowship for women of color in the sector to participate in the life changing Opportunity Collaboration “Unconference” – helping to advance their careers (SDG5 is the focus of my personal philanthropy), Topher Wilkins, OC’s CEO, suggested being an ally to women of color in philanthropy, but through the lens of women on the funding side of the table. “YES!”
This is for a number of reasons, not the least of which is ensuring more funding goes to proximate women leaders. For this to happen we need smart, wise, connected and informed women of color in greater and greater positions of influence and decision-making within their funding organizations. If Black Fox Philanthropy could help contribute to this, then we were “All in”.
For my part, getting to connect with these Fellows over the past years is a joy! Their engagement level and their passion for moving key conversations and solutions forward – and effectiveness in doing so – has been a gift to witness. The sector and the world are better places today because of these women, and I will relish watching them continue to be unstoppable in the years ahead.
Nominate a Black Fox Fellow for Opportunity Collaboration in the Dominican Republic from October 15-19, 2023. Fellows will also participate in OC365, the online community that comes together monthly throughout the year for game-changing deep conversation and collaboration. Feel free to self-nominate!
Fellows will have opportunities to share their work, and help plan and contribute to core programming for the in-person convening.
We are seeking ambitious women of color from the funder community who crave greater influence in affecting deep and lasting change, particularly around creating a more just, inclusive, and equitable world for all. Alignment with Black Fox Code a plus.
Send nominations to Julie Cullings at ju***@bl******.global by February 28, 2023.
In Partnership,
Natalie Rekstad | Founder & CEO
Black Fox Philanthropy, B Corp
