BFCF ListeningReport2024 r201 - Flipbook - Page 19
LISTENING TOUR REPORT 2023 - 2024
BLACK FUTURE CO-OP FUND
Next Steps
In summary, we are so honored that folks shared with us. Many themes that arose were also expressed
in the focus groups, statewide survey, panel discussions, and statewide gathering that shaped the
Black Well-being report. Knowing this a昀케rms we are on the right path.
The visions, challenges, ideas, and opportunities we heard will factor into how we carry out the four
primary areas of impact of our strategic plan.
•
Connecting communities for Black collective power. We understand there’s a strong desire for
connecting across issues and geographies, and are excited to do much more in this space to serve
as a hub and facilitate networking. Within this area is also healing. We’ve led two healing trips to
Ghana, and are re昀氀ecting on how this strategy 昀椀ts with our ongoing work. Also, building on feedback
from this listening tour, we directed our 2024 We See You grants to support the healing and liberation
of Black leaders who have long poured themselves into communities, often at the expense of their
own well-being.
•
Promoting truthful Black narratives. We learned how many communities and organizations are
uplifting true narratives. And, we want to be supportive by amplifying their voices, as well as funding
capacity in communications and storytelling and funding artists. We have continued to use our own
channels to lift up Black leaders, along with the soulfulness, beauty, and strength of Blackness. In
addition, the Black Well-being study has served as a foundation for highlighting community identi昀椀ed
approaches that support our collective organizing, inform policy change, and direct resources into
Black-led solutions.
•
Investing in Black generational prosperity. Much of the feedback on this listening tour centered
around opportunities to invest in Black prosperity, liberation, and well-being. Since we launched,
we have strived to 昀椀nd and fund the Black leaders, nonpro昀椀t organizations, businesses, groups, and
associations that are forging pathways to Black self-determination. Every year, we have distributed
We See You grants to recognize and support the powerful work happening across our state. We have
also invested in capacity building and technical assistance for Black businesses. We are eager to take
to heart what we heard and integrate it into our programming and grantmaking in the years to come.
•
Shifting the philanthropic paradigm. This fourth area is in everything we do. We are doing the work
internally in order to become a blueprint externally. We are building relationships with other funders
and partners so we collectively increase unrestricted funding 昀氀owing into Black-led organizations,
businesses, and communities.
We see this work as ongoing and requiring broad engagement. If you weren’t able to participate or if you
have had additional questions or ideas since the listening gatherings, we hope you will reach out to us at
info@blackfuturewa.org.
We are looking forward to 2025 and future travel across the state so we can continue meeting Black
Washingtonians and allies. We are inspired to act together in creating the Washington and world we want.
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