The future funders initiative

Reclaiming leadership. Redesigning philanthropy. Redirecting capital.

THE BIG PROBLEM IN PHILANTHROPY

Last year, philanthropy gave over $550 billion.

Yet, less than 7% of that funding reached BIPOC-led and -serving nonprofits—despite these communities making up 41% of the U.S. population and shouldering the deepest burdens of systemic inequities.

This isn’t just a funding gap—it’s a structural failure in philanthropy’s leadership and decision-making. The system wasn’t built for equity, but we have the power to rebuild it. The time for incremental change is over—we need a radical shift in how power and resources flow.

ROOT CAUSES OF RACE-BASED FUNDING DISPARITIES

Exclusionary Leadership Structures

With 87% of foundation CEOs and 91% of board members being white, philanthropy remains locked in a cycle of exclusion. This lack of diverse leadership isn’t just a gap—it’s a structural barrier that limits philanthropy’s ability to understand, fund, and uplift diverse communities. If leadership doesn’t change, neither will funding patterns.

Implicit-Bias in Decision-Making

Research shows that philanthropy’s funding decisions are not neutral—they are shaped by deeply ingrained biases that consistently disadvantage BIPOC-led organizations. Funders unconsciously favor organizations that reflect their own racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, reinforcing existing power imbalances. To achieve equity, philanthropy must confront and correct these biases.

Pipelines & Performative Inclusion

Philanthropy’s leadership pipelines for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) professionals are not just inadequate—they are failing. The false narrative of a “talent shortage” persists because the system hasn’t built pathways for BIPOC leaders to rise. Instead, many foundations remain stuck in performative diversity, offering token opportunities without embracing true power-sharing and systemic change.

Our Solution

Four key strategies for systems change:

  • Pathway Development

    Create transformative leadership pathways, ensuring diverse changemakers rise to shape the future of philanthropy.

  • Training & Mentorship

    Equip emerging leaders with the skills, strategies, and mentorship needed to redefine philanthropic leadership and practices.

  • Leaderful Peer Network

    Cultivate a dynamic ecosystem of change leaders, fostering deep collaboration and co-creating bold solutions for systemic change.

  • Equitable Practices

    Reimagine philanthropic models, guiding foundations to build new leadership structures and equity-driven funding strategies.

OUR GOAL

2,030 by 2030

We’re reshaping leadership in philanthropy—positioning over 2,000 BIPOC trustees and CEOs by 2030 to drive meaningful change.

This bold shift will redefine philanthropic decision-making, ensuring capital is directed equitably, intentionally, and with lasting impact to the communities that need it most.

Why now?

The backlash against DEI isn’t just theatrics—it’s an orchestrated effort to dismantle progress and entrench inequity.

Now is the moment for philanthropy to step up, not step back.

Despite public commitments, BIPOC-led nonprofits remain underfunded, BIPOC leadership is sidelined, and some funders are quietly retreating from social justice. But in this defining moment, philanthropy cannot afford neutrality. With its vast resources, influence, and power, it must not retreat—it must double down on its commitment to DEI.

At The Future Funders Initiative, we refuse to let this moment pass without action. We are designing a new philanthropic future—one where leadership is inclusive, funding fuels systemic change, and power is shared, not hoarded.

The future isn’t waiting. It’s being built right now. The only question is: Who in philanthropy will rise to meet the moment?

OUR VISION

We are designing a future where foundation leadership mirrors the richness of our communities, and philanthropic capital flows Generously & equitably.

Join Our Network

Be part of the movement shaping a new era of philanthropy—where equity isn’t just a stated value, but an embodied practice.

BIPOC Leaders

You don’t just belong in leadership—you belong at the helm of change. Join our community of impact-driven BIPOC leaders, access game-changing opportunities, and build the skills, connections, and influence to transform philanthropy from within.

Foundations

Be part of a bold new era in philanthropic leadership and giving. Gain access to untapped BIPOC talent, groundbreaking strategies, and leadership models that are transforming the sector into one that is inclusive, innovative, and equity-driven.