About
We Are the People
Black people have always known what is needed in our communities. Across the 39 counties in Washington state, Black people — U.S. born, immigrants, and refugees — represent diverse backgrounds and experiences. By and for Black Washingtonians, the Black Future Co-op Fund is rooted in the beauty, soulfulness, and strength of Black culture.
As a Black collective, we aim to define for ourselves, speak for ourselves, and create for ourselves a new model of philanthropy that uplifts Black people and Black communities throughout the state.
Vision
Our vision is clear: A Washington state, working cooperatively, where all Black people are liberated, prosperous, and self-determined to fully live our lives.
Mission
We ignite generational wealth, health, and well-being with Black Washingtonians through Black community-led philanthropy.
Values
The core beliefs that guide the Fund’s actions are:
Centering Blackness. In everything we do, the Black perspective is elevated and the humanity of Black people is honored — our cultures, strength, beauty, genius, and significant contributions to society.
Community trust. Our society works best when all people are heard and walk in their power to shape their communities, workplaces, and governments. We trust in Black people who know the solutions that will work in their communities.
Healing grace. We believe in wholeness and recognizing the inherent dignity and humanity of every person. We reject harmful narratives about Black people and create power-filled space for healing from the traumas we carry in our bodies. We honor everyone’s journey and create new opportunities for individuals and organizations to learn and grow.
Honoring our ancestors. Our power and strength comes from our ancestors and carries us forward. We are building on their legacy as blossoms for all the seeds they planted.
Self-determination. We believe all people should have the resources, equitable opportunity, and freedom to live their fullest potential.
Shared abundance. There are plentiful resources for all to share. With a collaborative, cooperative, and community mindset, we can create prosperity for all.
Our Strategic Framework
As a new fund, we intentionally slowed down to be thoughtful about the foundation we set, re-rooting ourselves in our values of centering Blackness and building community trust. How we work is just as important as what we work on — we’re committed to working in ways that foster healing, connectedness, and cooperation.
Building on what we’ve learned, we developed a three-year strategic plan organized around four primary areas of impact: connected Black communities for collective power, promoted truthful Black narratives, invested in Black generational prosperity, and shifted the philanthropic paradigm.