The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is committed to building the capacity of and amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) led nonprofits. These organizations have an important role in providing services and giving voice to those in our community most impacted by systemic racism. While these organizations are essential to a racially equitable community, funding for BIPOC led organizations has historically not been equitable across the U.S. According to research conducted by Echoing Green and The Bridgespan Group, “revenues of the Black-led organizations are 24 percent smaller than the revenues of their white-led counterparts, and the unrestricted net assets of the Black-led organizations are 76 percent smaller than their white-led counterparts.”1 Raising the public profile and investing in these organizations is essential to being an ally in ending racial inequity and to provide a valuable resource for others in the community.
To carry out this piece of our ongoing racial equity work, CFNEIA has compiled a directory of BIPOC led nonprofit organizations serving Black Hawk County.
BIPOC Led Nonprofit Directory Criteria
An organization in which at least 50% of the board of directors identifies as BIPOC, whose executive director or 50% of senior leadership (decision-makers) identify as BIPOC, and whose mission statement and/or programs aim to predominately serve BIPOC communities.
This directory is intended to be a resource for community members, funders, donors, policymakers, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations seeking to partner with, invest in, and amplify the work and mission of BIPOC led nonprofits. The initial directory was created through surveying Black Hawk County nonprofits and through research conducted by CFNEIA staff. The Community Foundation acknowledges this directory as it is defined is not a full representation of organizations doing valuable work to support our local BIPOC communities but is a starting point in raising awareness and amplifying nonprofits working to build racially equitable communities.
The nonprofit sector is dynamic and ever evolving. If you represent a nonprofit that is incorrectly listed here or that should be included in this directory, click here to submit updated information about your agency. Submitting this form does not guarantee your organization will be added to this directory. CFNEIA staff will review and research as necessary to determine if your organization meets criteria. If you have any feedback or comments for CFNEIA regarding this directory, please click here to contact Angie Widner, Vice President of Community Impact, or call her at 319-243-1355.
What the Directory is Not
- A complete census: The directory is a starting point that is continually enriched by ongoing research and community input. This directory is not static but can change.
- A “Meets Standards” list: The directory is a compilation of nonprofit organizations whose primary mission/purpose is to serve BIPOC communities serving Black Hawk County. CFNEIA does not review or rate organizations.
The BIPOC led directory is intended to increase the power, voice, and/or financial resources of nonprofit organizations whose primary mission and purpose is to serve Black communities, Indigenous communities, and People of Color communities.
If you would like to support BIPOC led organizations, visit the websites of the organizations in the directory and make a financial gift to support their work, find volunteer opportunities, and use whatever platforms available to you to share their message with your social and professional networks.
This directory MUST NOT be used for harmful, hate-based, or racist agendas or commentary.
- Bradach, Jeff, Dorsey, Cheryl, and Kim, Peter (2020 May). "Racial Equity and Philanthropy: Disparities in Funding for Leaders of Color Leave Impact on the Table." The Bridgespan Group. https://www.bridgespan.org/bridgespan/Images/articles/racial-equity-and-philanthropy/racial-equity-and-philanthropy.pdf
