As New Research Shows Persistent Funding Gaps, The National Network of Black Foundations & Funds Expands Its Public Presence

Established national network of Black-led and Black-serving foundations and funds begins its first public-facing phase on Aug. 28, Black Giving Day, calling for sustained investment, stronger relationships and greater trust in community-rooted institutions.

PITTSBURGH, PA, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research shows that while funding for some Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit organizations surged after George Floyd’s murder in 2020, it did not result in lasting change for many. Now, the National Network of Black Foundations & Funds (NNBFF) is stepping into its first public-facing phase, making more visible its work to support sustained investment in Black communities. 

While NNBFF’s public presence is new, the network is not. 

For years, its members—Black-led and-serving foundations and funds across the country—have been building relationships and sharing knowledge, with some serving their communities since the 1980s. The network strengthens those connections, creating opportunities for members to share resources and build collective power, while honoring each member’s distinct mission, location and strategy.

“This is not the beginning of NNBFF’s work,” said Mark Lewis, CEO of POISE Foundation and co-chair of the national network’s advisory group. “It is a moment to make the work, the relationships and the collective strength that already exist more visible—and to build from there.”

The expansion of NNBFF’s public presence comes as an April 2026 study offers a new look at how private foundations have supported Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits. The report analyzed funding from 2016 through 2023 and found that in an average year, only half of Black-led nonprofits received foundation grants, compared with 70% of other nonprofits. 

The research also found that the increase in support following 2020 was temporary and uneven. Much of the additional funding went to a relatively small group of larger Black-led nonprofits between 2020 and 2022 before declining in 2023, while the majority of smaller Black-led nonprofits saw little to no change. 

“The research reinforces something many of us have known for years: we cannot sustain generational change through relationships that last one or two grant cycles,” Lewis said. “This work requires us to think long-term and to recognize that none of our institutions succeeds alone. NNBFF gives Black-led and -serving foundations and funds ways to strengthen one another, build relationships and work collectively toward solutions that are built to last.” 

While the latest research focuses on Black-led and -serving nonprofits rather than Black-led and -serving foundations and funds, its findings indicate a larger theme within philanthropy: meaningful support goes beyond dollars. 

Black nonprofit leaders said meaningful partnership includes not only financial support, but access to networks, trust in their expertise, care for organizational leaders, and a willingness by funders to use their own relationships and influence to help organizations succeed.

As such, the work of NNBFF’s members extends beyond grantmaking. Members serve as connectors, advocates, researchers, employers, conveners, and trusted partners within their communities—helping move resources, strengthen local organizations, and ensure people closest to community needs have a role in shaping decisions.

“Black philanthropy has always been about more than a check,” said LaDawn Sullivan, executive director of the Black Resilience in Colorado Fund and co-chair of the national network’s advisory group. “It is also our time, our talent, our resources, our relationships, and the knowledge we have from being part of the communities we serve. There is tremendous strength already present in Black communities and in the Black-led and -serving institutions that are rooted there. NNBFF’s expanded public presence gives members an opportunity to connect that strength to a national network, and invite funders and partners into deeper, longer-term relationships.” 

As NNBFF becomes more publicly visible, the network will work to deepen relationships with funders and partners, elevate the expertise of its members, and help policymakers connect with Black-led institutions, bringing local knowledge to national conversations about philanthropy, community investment and long-term change.

NNBFF’s public rollout begins Aug. 28 and will continue through the end of the year.

Learn more about the National Network of Black Foundations & Funds and its members at www.nnbff.org.

About the National Network of Black Foundations & Funds
The National Network of Black Foundations & Funds (NNBFF) brings together Black-led and Black-serving foundations and funds from across the country to share resources, knowledge, relationships, and opportunities—strengthening one another while building their collective power. By connecting locally rooted knowledge through a national network, NNBFF helps build stronger Black-led institutions and support sustained investment in Black communities.

Joey Peña
The National Network of Black Foundations & Funds
951-313-7331
joey@gomezhowardgroup.com