Communities of Color Find More Prominent Role Within Philanthropy Sector

As the U.S. population shifts, with ethnic and racial groups growing faster than the overall American population, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has found the face of philanthropy is rapidly changing to become as diverse as the country’s population. The new report, “Cultures of Giving: Energizing and Expanding Philanthropy by and for Communities of Color” commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, with major funding by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, shows how philanthropy is evolving, with some of the most significant growth stemming from identity-based philanthropy -- a growing movement to spark philanthropic giving from a community on behalf of a community, where “community” is defined by race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

This report explores current shifts within the philanthropy sector and showcases key learnings, best practices and successful models to promote and enhance philanthropy and giving among communities of color. Among these learnings, the report reveals several factors catalyzing the current evolution of philanthropy:

1. The face of philanthropy is rapidly changing to become as ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse as our country’s population.
2. Collective power, action and resources exist within communities of color that conventional philanthropy has not fully recognized, embraced and partnered with to bring about change.
3. Understanding and supporting this emerging area of philanthropy are becoming increasingly essential for any foundation, funder or donor who wants to drive social change.

This report shares WKKF’s journey so that others might learn from both their successes and mistakes, and it challenges fellow funders to consider new ways to collaborate with and advance the impact of identity-based philanthropy: by providing seed support and other forms of assistance, by embracing identity-based funds as critical partners in the sector and forging stronger connections within communities of color and with other philanthropic leaders, by diversifying the leadership of mainstream philanthropy to reflect changing demographics and by shifting practices to reflect what communities of color are teaching about the future of giving and how funders can positively impact the country’s most vulnerable children and families.

The report is also intended to inspire everyday givers ... no matter their background ... to embrace their power as philanthropists.

Grant Declination: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

W.K. Kellogg Foundation turned down our grant proposal on behalf of BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation considers opportunities to learn from innovation, to help catalyze work in other places in the US, and to also bring that learning back to the places where they are geographically-focused on moving that indicator needle on behalf of children.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation will invest throughout the country, but with the priority on Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico. Our grant proposal was a long-shot because it came from Tennessee. W.K. Kellogg Foundation wrote:

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Dear Mr. Hicks:

We received your request for funding and want to thank you for sharing your ideas with us.

Within our mission to "propel vulnerable children to achieve success", the Kellogg Foundation provides funding to programs that fit within specific areas of focus: Family Income and Assets; Community Assets; Education and Learning; Food, Health and Wellbeing; and Civic and Philanthropic Engagement and /or the essential approaches of Racial Equity; Place; Leadership; Policy; and Success by Third Grade. We also provide additional programming in our hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Unfortunately, we cannot encourage you to continue with the proposal process at this time, as our program staff have given your request a thorough review and determined that it does not fall within our realigned program priorities.

Again, we commend you in pursuing your idea and wish you much success in attaining your goal.

Sincerely,
Deborah A. Rey
Supervisor, Proposals Processing
Office of the President

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We will continue to seek funding for the SITES program in Nashville TN as well as the ones we see in the other 50 BDPA chapters around the nation. You could turn our frown upside down by choosing this moment to make a secure online donation to us!

Grant Proposal: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

W.K. Kellogg Foundation seeks to fund promising ventures across the United States. BETF agreed to partner with BDPA Middle Tennessee on joint proposal to this funding source. We submitted an online grant application asking the the Kellogg Foundation to support our Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in the greater Nashville area. We anticipate a response within 45 days.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation sees tremendous opportunity and innovation happening, and they will consider opportunities to learn from innovation, to help catalyze work in other places in the US, and to also bring that learning back to the places where they are geographically-focused on moving that indicator needle on behalf of children. Ultimately, they will invest throughout the country, but with the priority on Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico.

Race and Place as Critical Factors in Children’s Success - Kellogg Foundation efforts to achieving racial equity will include removing present day barriers to equal opportunities. This may be accomplished through different strategies including – but not limited to – eliminating institutionalized discriminatory policies and practices, and working in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty to improve opportunities for quality education, health, safety, and economic security.

As they look for ways to keep our country prosperous, they seek to make the next generation a significant priority. Even economic experts agree that child development is the foundation for community development – which, in turn, is the foundation for economic development. Capable children become the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable society. Check out the Foundation video to see how they focus on 'children and learning'

W.K. Kellogg Foundation
One Michigan Avenue East
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017-4012
Tel: 269-968-1611
Fax: 269-968-0413

Selection Criteria - The Kellogg Foundation staff conducts a disciplined review of each grant application received to determine whether the proposal fits within their funding priorities and scope. Criteria may vary slightly, but generally, they are looking for proposals that have the potential to:

• Have a measurable impact on children and families who face significant barriers to opportunity for success
• Strengthen the “opportunity grid” (the systems and services) within communities that create opportunities for children
• Make significant and sustainable change
• Engage promising innovative solutions and technologies
• Work in partnership with communities, governments, businesses, and experts
• Leverage support from other sources
• Build on existing Kellogg Foundation work

Wish us luck! And if you don't believe in luck ... then make an online donation to support us!