Paying it Forward: Real Commitments to Diversity in Philanthropy

June 14, 2007 | Leaders of Color, Next Generation Leadership, Now Generation Leadership, Philanthropy, Professional Development

I have been very encouraged lately by many of my colleagues in the fundraising and philanthropy field. Last month, the Association for Fundraising Professionals’ DC Chapter kicked off its newly revived Diversity Committee activities with a lovely reception where I met lots of nonprofit fundraisers of color who were all more than willing to share their experiences with me.

One of the people I met was Rodney Jackson, President and CEO of the National Center for Black Philanthropy (which I have blogged about previously). I told him about my career goal of eventually transitioning into grantmaking from fundraising, and he gave me these very good pieces of advice:

Do it if you can. Grantmaking is much easier than fundraising.

Foundation and grantmaking positions are few and far between. When you see one, throw your hat in the ring.

And, be sure to keep up with the Association for Black Foundation Executives

I’m even more psyched now about attending the NCFBP Conference in June. I’m going (free of charge!) thanks to the generosity of my colleague Lee Christian Parker, a Program Officer at the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region and head of the Black Philanthropic Alliance. Lee is an awesome African-American nonprofit leader. This is what Lee said when I thanked her for supporting me:

“Everybody needs a little ‘boost’ now and again. I am just paying it forward!”

We definitely need more nonprofit leaders like Lee, Rodney, and the folks at AFP, who understand the importance of paying it forward and are willing to take the time to help us younger folks on the come up. I think this is especially critical for those of us from different racial backgrounds who really do need a little “boost” along this crazy do-gooder journey. To my mind, this is the best way to ensure that young nonprofit professionals get the kind of development we need to navigate our way to leadership positions in the future.

Are you paying it forward?

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