The State of Diversity in the U.S. Nonprofit Sector” report released by Candid in May 2024 is the largest demographic study of the nonprofit sector, based on diversity information provided by nearly 60,000 public charities. According to the study, white CEOs lead 74% of organizations with more than $25 million in annual revenue, with white men heading 41% of those nonprofits, despite being only about 30% of the population. Women of color, who comprise about 20% of the U.S. population, lead 14% of the organizations with more than $25 million in revenue and 28% of the smallest nonprofits with less than $50,000 in revenue. In summary, women of color are overrepresented as leaders of the smallest charities. According to Philanthropy Today, there has been a 32 percent drop in racial equity giving since 2021 by Fortune 1,000 companies. This data demonstrates the many challenges for Black women in these spaces and opportunities to connect, convene, collaborate, and co-create are crucial.

The Black Women in Philanthropy event is important to host because we've discovered that Black women not only need a place to reaffirm their ability to make a difference but women desire safe spaces to share their successes, strategize about the future, and feel a sense of community and safety often in spaces that are not always supportive and welcoming. This year is different because we've included a panel of women who are Black nonprofit leaders. We must hear from Black women in Philanthropy but also listen to the challenges that Black female-led nonprofit leaders face in this space.