In Community: Gems of Wisdom and Connection
Over the past several months, our team has had the incredible opportunity to grow and learn alongside our philanthropic peers at some of the largest conferences in the sector. Gatherings hosted by ABFE (A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities), GEO (Grantmakers for Effective Organizations), and EPIP (Early Professionals in Philanthropy) have pushed our thinking and offered diverse perspectives on our work. The insights gained from these experiences were so rich that we are eager to share our key takeaways with our community. Here are a few standout gems we walked away with.
GEM #1: “When you get a chance to speak truth to power, you do it. Even if your knees are knocking or your palms are sweating.” — Ben Crump, trial lawyer for justice
Witnessing the collective commitment to promoting truthful Black narratives at the ABFE Conference was truly inspiring. Speakers, including Attorney Ben Crump, urged us to have the courage to address the realities facing the Black community. This “reckoning with the real” involves being honest about the systemic challenges we encounter. The stories shared highlighted the resilience required to navigate these spaces, along with the internal and communal tensions that can arise. While acknowledging the ongoing work ahead, we must also emphasize the importance of honoring our journey and allowing ourselves to rest.
Our participation at ABFE also allowed us to explore our role in shifting the philanthropic paradigm. We hosted an event for Black funders from the Pacific Northwest, fostering fellowship and community-building. This informal gathering countered the misconception that Black philanthropists are scarce in our region, showcasing the strength and presence of Black leadership in our home. Holding this space reminded us that our work is collective, connected, and filled with joy.
Leaving the ABFE conference, we felt seen, supported, and empowered. We experienced a true sense of community and belonging, and will continue to cherish this wonderful space where both the challenges and triumphs of Black-led organizations could be acknowledged.
GEM #2: “A lot of people of color or marginalized people have been gaslit of their genius.” — ALOK Vaid-Menon, artist, public speaker, and activist
As we continue to work towards connecting Black communities for collective power, ALOK’s words were well-received and right on time. At the GEO conference, ALOK and other leaders grounded us in our “why,” encouraging us to reclaim our genius as the first step toward building a better future. Each session expanded our understanding of best practices in the sector, while prompting us to reflect on how those practices either support or disrupt systemic challenges.
We particularly appreciated former GEO CEO Bob Ross’s opening plenary remarks, emphasizing our duty as philanthropists to understand the environments we operate in and to always pursue systemic accountability. Engaging in discussions about avoiding grantee burnout and adopting trust-based practices reaffirmed that the Black Future Co-op Fund is at the forefront of evolving philanthropic processes. It also pushed us to consider the ways in which we might grow.
GEM #3: “I try to listen to that voice in my ear, which is typically ancestral knowledge.” — Storme Gray, executive director of EPIP
The EPIP conference provided a dynamic opportunity for both seasoned and emerging philanthropic leaders on our team to connect with younger professionals and explore how emerging trends are shaping the future of philanthropy. This space served as a reminder that we carry the hopes and aspirations of the many leaders who came before us, and that our role as good ancestors is to invest in generational prosperity and the emerging leaders who are coming after us.
Discussions on community building and trust-based practices reinforced our commitment to advocating for inclusive practices that reflect the communities we serve and the futures they desire. The conference offered both personal growth and validation, energizing our efforts to drive meaningful change in philanthropy. Based on what we witnessed, the future of the sector has never been brighter.
