Welcome to New England Blacks in Philanthropy.
In 2006, The Boston Foundation convened Black philanthropists and community leaders to discuss the results of the Boston Indicators Project. It pointed out that although Blacks had made significant gains there were still persistent inequities. For example, in Boston between 1998 and 2004, the percentage of Blacks lacking health coverage was cut in half—but there has been an increase in infant mortality, which is a key indicator of a community’s well-being.
During the dialogue, several guests remarked on the importance of developing a shared and common objective moving forward. The diversity reflected in the African American and Black community consistently was seen as a positive characteristic. “Our diversity can either be a curse, as we disintegrate into isolated Balkanized communities,” said the Reverend Ray Hammond, Chair of the Foundation’s Board, or, he added “ it can be an asset, as we mobilize, develop and share the richness of our linguistic, cultural and experimental assets.”
In response to that bleak and sobering report and the increasing course of isolation from grantmakers, the attending foundation board members and philanthropists established NEBIP in late 2007. Their primary goal was to challenge Black philanthropists and funders of Black communities to intensify their efforts to serve Black children, families and communities.
The new organization examined many issues to determine where to focus our attention and worked to ensure that NEBIP served more than a philanthropic networking group. We wanted to ensure that the next generation of Black people, regardless of their background, had access for opportunities for success.
In 2008, we convened to consider a vision for a stronger Black community. We discussed the concerns a vision for a stronger Black community. We discussed the concerns and hopes of Black communities and the challenges faced by philanthropists and funders.
Today, we have four initiatives:
- Black Education
- Black Health
- Black Media/Image
- Black Leadership
Our theory of change rests on three tenets—our ability to inform, reform and transform philanthropy.
By 2021, we hope our efforts will create a more inclusive philanthropic community with keener insights into our communities and priorities.
Thank you, New England Blacks in Philanthropy