New United Way initiative launches to direct support and advocacy toward Black nonprofit executives

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Black nonprofit leaders are getting more support to bolster their projects, raise funding and serve their communities thanks to a new venture from the United Way.

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey has launched the Center for Leadership Equity , which is designed to provide critical support for Black nonprofit leaders.  Managing director Kelly Woodland says part of the center’s responsibility is to remove barriers to success, face challenges and advocate on behalf of Black nonprofit leaders.

“That's something that hasn't been done, because when you're running a nonprofit organization, it's very difficult to do all that you have to do to meet a community's needs, and at the same time, advocate for equitable funding, advocate for unrestricted grants,” said Woodland. “That's what the center wants to be able to do.”

Officials say the center aims to support at least 250 leaders and organizations in its first year. Programming will expand as they obtain more funding.

Studies have shown that Black-led nonprofit organizations are smaller in size and revenue, depend more predominantly on government funding, lack the social capital and connections of their white counterparts and traditionally serve the most vulnerable populations with the least amount of resources.

“Black nonprofit leaders are doing more with less, and they are the ones doing a lot of the heavy lifting in increasing and improving quality of life in our community,” Woodland said, “so the Center for Leadership Equity is really investing in those leaders who are doing the most difficult, challenging work, oftentimes with the least resources.”

He adds that the center recognizes that leadership is isolating, a realization that led to the creation of the Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia, of which he is a co-founder.

“That's an affinity group comprised of Black nonprofit leaders from the area,” he explained. “So in addition to accessing professional development, the Center for Leadership Equity will afford those folks who go through it the opportunity to be connected with other individuals that are doing similar work.”

Anyone interested in accessing the center’s resources can apply online to join the BNCEP. Membership is free.