BLACK mobile logo

california

business

California’s Largest Fund Supporting Black Serving Organizations Becomes Independent Institution

July 1, 2025

The California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) has transformed into a permanent, independent institution called the Black Freedom Fund (BFF), continuing its mission to invest in Black-led organizations and communities throughout California. Since its inception, BFF has distributed over $45 million to 205 Black-serving organizations across 17 issue areas, with 95% of grants being unrestricted and 65% going to organizations led by Black women. Executive Director Marc Philpart led this evolution after the fund not only met but exceeded its initial $100 million goal, filling a crucial void in sustained support for Black power-building organizations.

Who is affected

  • 205 Black-serving and power-building organizations across California
  • Black communities throughout California
  • Black women leaders (65% of grantees are led by Black women)
  • Small organizations operating with budgets under $1 million (66% of recipients)
  • Specific recipients like East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative (EB PREC)
  • Organizations impacted by the Los Angeles fires
  • Black community leaders participating in the Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program
  • Black Californians whose lives are shaped by policies discussed in the State of Black California townhall series

What action is being taken

  • The California Black Freedom Fund is transitioning into a permanent, independent institution called the Black Freedom Fund
  • BFF is currently distributing funds to Black-serving organizations across California
  • The fund is providing unrestricted grants to give organizations flexibility to prioritize, innovate and adapt
  • BFF is collaborating with the California Legislative Black Caucus on the State of Black California townhall series
  • The organization is implementing the Chinedu Valentine Okobi Sabbatical Program for rest and rejuvenation of Black community leaders
  • LEAD for Racial Justice is providing legal training and tools to support race-conscious programs

Why it matters

  • The fund fills a void in sustained support for Black-led organizations in California
  • BFF provides critical resources to historically underresourced Black communities
  • The initiative empowers Black communities to lead change through their own solutions
  • The fund's work has become increasingly important as some public and private funding for minority-centered initiatives is being withdrawn
  • Unrestricted grants allow organizations to adapt and innovate based on community needs
  • Supporting smaller organizations (those with budgets under $1 million) helps grassroots efforts reach communities directly

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

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

California’s Largest Fund Supporting Black Serving Organizations Becomes Independent Institution