Philanthropy Development Practitioner

I am the first African-based fellow of the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE). 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. 

ABFE has developed Responsive Philanthropy in Black Communities, a framework for grantworking that supports the dignity of communities and optimizes inherent strengths to ensure better outcomes for Black communities. This new offering to the field provides tools and consultants to help funders employ the framework.