we envision a world where black people harness their full power to shape their lives and futures and realize a just future for all.

from an initiative to an institution: black freedom fund becomes a black community foundation

Launched in 2020, the Black Freedom Fund was co-created with leaders and organizers as a five-year initiative to address philanthropy’s underinvestment in California’s Black-serving organizations.

In 2025, the Black Freedom Fund transitioned into a standalone public foundation that resources, connects, strengthens and accelerates the ecosystem of Black-serving and Black power-building organizations for the long haul. We know that in order to address deeply rooted and enduring inequities, we must invest in deeply rooted enduring institutions.

Black organizers and directly impacted people are pushing to win power over decisions that affect their lives and communities, seeding solutions and fighting to shape policies, practices, and systems that can expand opportunities for all. Yet, there is an extreme lack of funding and sustainability among Black-serving organizations working to build leaders, uplift voices, and create solutions that benefit us all.

Black Freedom Fund steps into the gap to raise and align resources, shift narratives, and provide a prominent voice and platform for organizations building power in Black communities. In addition to grantmaking, Black Freedom Fund also designs and deploys initiatives that are responsive to the needs of our movements.

Together, we’re securing a future where all Black people can live with dignity, safety, opportunity, and power.