2024 was a defining year for the Black Freedom Fund and the communities we serve. Alongside responding to the urgent needs of our partners and investing in long-term solutions, we laid the foundation for our transition from a time-bound initiative to California’s first Black community foundation—strengthening partnerships, securing resources, and building the infrastructure to sustain this historic shift.
Throughout 2024, we listened deeply to our grantee partners, who told us what it would take to sustain their work in this challenging climate: infrastructure, legal support, and time to rest and renew. Programs like the Okobi Sabbatical and the LEAD™ for Racial Justice Initiative emerged directly from these needs, filling critical gaps that traditional philanthropy has often overlooked. And when Black communities across California faced both heightened attacks and strategic opportunities in a major election year, Black Freedom Fund stood ready to respond, fueling the power, joy, and resilience of Black communities.
We are proud to share our 2024 Impact Report: Powering Possibilities for California’s Black Communities. This report not only reflects the progress of the past year, but also highlights the collective impact of the Fund from its founding in 2020 through 2024. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient ecosystem for Black organizing and movement leadership.
Highlights from 2020–2024 include:
- $40 million invested since 2020—the largest pooled transfer of wealth toward Black organizing in history.
- 141 organizations funded across 17 issue areas, including health equity, education reform, economic justice, and criminal justice.
- Launch of the Okobi Sabbatical Program honoring Chinedu Valentine Okobi, to support leaders with resources for rest and renewal.
- 3 in 4 grantees engaged in policy & advocacy work, with nearly half achieving a policy change.
- Hosting the State of Black California series, bringing over 650 attendees to engage with policymakers on priority community issues in six cities across the state.
- Strengthening grantee partners: 63% of BFF-funded organizations have budgets under $1 million, and 70% report an increased ability to attract additional funding as a result of BFF support.
“Our liberation is not a trend. It’s a necessity. We’re not asking for change; we’re building the power to demand it.” – Marc Philpart, President & CEO, Black Freedom Fund
Our 2024 Impact Report shows what’s possible when resources meet community power. Read it, share it with your networks, and join us in building the next chapter. Together, we are shaping a new legacy of racial justice.
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