BFCF AnnualReport DONE - Flipbook - Page 12
The report planted an important 昀氀ag. It provided valuable, 昀椀rst-person data describing the needs of
Black Washingtonians in detail, while also modeling the way that trust-based philanthropy and rigorous
data-gathering are fully compatible. Many large and established funders have not done the kind of datagathering that we did as a novice philanthropic organization.
In addition to presenting wide-ranging data, the report explores contextual factors for each topic area.
For example, the report frames health in terms of holistic well-being, discusses medical racism, and
considers the true costs of health care. This kind of multidimensional context usefully frames the data,
while community-identi昀椀ed approaches highlight priorities for investment and action, such as: Address
ableism and racism in the healthcare ecosystem; fund Black-owned, initiated, and operated care; and
address family and community, not just the individual.
One important part of the motivation for the Black Well-being report was to feature the diversity of
voices, experiences, and approaches of Black people throughout Washington. Promoting truthful
Black narratives is systems change work and it is central to our approach. By elevating Black voices, we
counter harmful myths and distortions that serve to conceal the strengths, beauty and achievements
of Black people. Another way that we have promoted truthful Black narratives is by organizing panels
and conversations for Black Philanthropy Month to celebrate the ingenuity and generosity of Black
philanthropy and inspire increased investment in Black communities.
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