A $200 Million Endowment Focused on Black Americans is Taking Shape

October 13, 2025

The California Black Freedom Fund, launched in 2020 following George Floyd's murder, is transitioning from a five-year initiative to a permanent institution with plans for a $200 million endowment. Recently renamed the Black Freedom Fund to reflect its national expansion, the organization has raised over $97 million and distributed $45 million to 206 California nonprofits supporting Black communities. Executive Director Marc Philpart emphasizes that the endowment will enable sustainable annual grants of $10 million while providing consistent support beyond crisis moments when philanthropic attention typically wanes.

Who is affected

Black communities in California (and potentially nationwide with the fund's expansion)
206 nonprofits that have received funding, including organizations like the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative
Black-led social change organizations that traditionally receive smaller endowments (only one-fourth the size of those led by white people, according to Bridgespan Group)
Donors and foundations supporting racial justice initiatives despite political pressure
Other philanthropic organizations navigating the current political climate around race-based grant making

What action is being taken

The California Black Freedom Fund is transitioning into an independent national organization called the Black Freedom Fund
The fund is working to build a $200 million endowment to sustain annual grants of $10 million
The fund operates the Legal Education, Advocacy, and Defense for Racial Justice Initiative providing pro bono legal consulting and training for nonprofits
Donors like the California Wellness Foundation are continuing to support the fund despite political headwinds
The fund is distributing grants to Black-led and Black-serving organizations in California

Why it matters

The endowment model provides sustainable, long-term funding rather than temporary support during crises
Black-led organizations historically receive significantly smaller endowments than white-led counterparts
Endowments represent a transfer of power from philanthropies to community organizations closest to the issues
The fund's expansion occurs amid legal and political challenges to race-based grant making, including Trump administration directives to the Department of Justice
The initiative stands as a counterpoint to recent retreats from racial justice funding by some corporations and philanthropies

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint