Podcast Summary: Ep 213: Racial Dynamics in Nonprofit Fundraising

Title: Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Host: Joan Garry
Guests: Mikaela Lavons & Jamila Hodge
Release Date: October 12, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 213 of "Nonprofits Are Messy," host Joan Garry delves into the intricate and often challenging landscape of nonprofit fundraising through the lens of racial dynamics. Joined by Mikaela Lavons, Chief of Development at Equal Justice USA, and Jamila (Jami) Hodge, the second Executive Director of the same organization, Joan explores the unique hurdles and strengths that BIPOC fundraisers encounter in the nonprofit sector.

Understanding Equal Justice USA

Mikaela Lavons provides an overview of Equal Justice USA (EJ USA), highlighting its mission to "divest from state violence" while "investing in the community and resources that are needed for community thriving and safety" [00:05]. EJ USA emphasizes capacity building, advocacy, restorative justice, and narrative shifting to redefine justice and safety within communities.

Jami Hodge elaborates on EJ USA's growth, noting, "we have grown from a $5 million budget to an $11 million budget in three years" [07:35]. She discusses the organization's role as an intermediary funder, supporting grassroots partners by providing grants, infrastructure support, and advocacy to address systemic violence and its repercussions.

Historical Context and Current Landscape

Joan Gary sets the stage by referencing the racial reckoning of 2020 and its impact on both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Jami Hodge reflects on the cyclical nature of racial progress, stating, “we push the boulder up, and then it rolls back” [13:55]. She expresses disappointment over the rapid shift in funding priorities, noting how initial support for racial justice has been supplanted by other issues like democracy, indicating a regression in sustained commitment.

Mikaela Lavons adds, "the good thing, the hopeful thing for me is I think about our work at Equal Justice USA as being so intersectional" [16:00]. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on race equity amidst fluctuating funding landscapes, advocating for a diversified approach that intertwines democracy, public health, and race equity.

Challenges Faced by BIPOC Fundraisers

Mikaela Lavons discusses the inherent tension BIPOC fundraisers navigate within a capitalistic society, highlighting the struggle to leverage often extractive resources for social good while confronting embedded racism: “capitalism and like our economic system has white supremacy baked in” [19:16]. She underscores the demoralizing aspects of this tension but maintains optimism about the future.

Jami Hodge parallels this sentiment by describing the relational challenges in fundraising, especially when race adds an additional layer of complexity to power dynamics: “it requires a little bit more work, you know, than if I'm sitting across from a person who looks like me” [26:49]. She emphasizes the necessity of entering fundraising conversations from a place of power rather than feeling like a beggar, which is often compounded by racial dynamics.

Impact of Microaggressions and Racial Hierarchies

Joan introduces the concept that fundraising can magnify racial hierarchies, prompting Jami Hodge to reflect on personal experiences of disrespect and constant questioning rooted in race: “it's a constant questioning. Did you, you know, look me in my face when I asked you a question and not respond because I'm a black woman” [31:51]. The discussion delves into the emotional labor BIPOC fundraisers endure, navigating microaggressions while striving to build authentic relationships with donors.

Mikaela Lavons expands on the intersection of racial and monetary hierarchies, noting, “different people relate to money differently depending on how you show up, your racial history” [35:03]. She critiques the merit-based funding system that often fails to recognize the unique needs and strengths of marginalized communities, advocating for greater trust and equitable funding practices.

Supporting BIPOC Fundraisers: Strategies and Solutions

Joan poses a critical question to her guests: What should BIPOC fundraisers look for when interviewing for positions to ensure they will be supported and empowered?

Jami Hodge emphasizes the importance of organizations actively discussing and prioritizing racial equity during the interview process: “if it hasn't come up, that's a huge red flag” [40:16]. She cites her own organization’s transition to a black-led leadership as an example of genuine commitment, highlighting structured racial equity learning sessions and intentional leadership transitions.

Mikaela Lavons advises looking for concrete indicators of support, such as allocated resources for racial equity in the budget and the organization’s language around race: “listen to how they talk about race... if they're saying things like, we don't see color... that's a red flag” [46:18]. She stresses the need for transparent communication and genuine investment in racial equity beyond superficial statements.

Harnessing the Superpowers of Fundraisers of Color

In the concluding segment, Joan shifts focus to the inherent strengths that BIPOC fundraisers bring to the table. Mikaela Lavons identifies "being comfortable with the uncomfortable" as a key superpower, enabling fundraisers to navigate tension and drive social change effectively [51:32].

Jami Hodge echoes the importance of authenticity and empathy, attributing her leadership style to her lived experiences: “I can talk about it from the heart... it's not academic” [52:21]. She highlights the ability to lead with love and accountability, fostering genuine connections and passionate advocacy within fundraising endeavors.

Final Reflections

Joan Gary wraps up the episode by acknowledging the wisdom and resilience of her guests, underscoring the critical role they play in advancing racial equity within the nonprofit sector. She reiterates the importance of recognizing and supporting the unique challenges and strengths of BIPOC fundraisers, encouraging listeners to value and nurture these contributions to repair and strengthen the world through nonprofit work.

Key Takeaways

• Intersectionality in Fundraising: BIPOC fundraisers operate at the crossroads of race, power, and economics, navigating complex dynamics to secure resources for social justice.

• Systemic Challenges: Persistent racial hierarchies and fluctuating funding priorities undermine sustained progress in racial equity initiatives.

• Authentic Leadership: Genuine commitment to racial equity involves intentional leadership transitions, dedicated resources, and ongoing education within organizations.

• Superpowers of BIPOC Fundraisers: Attributes like resilience, authenticity, empathy, and comfort with discomfort empower BIPOC fundraisers to lead effectively and drive meaningful change.

• Supporting BIPOC Fundraisers: Organizations must actively engage in conversations about race, allocate appropriate resources, and create environments where BIPOC fundraisers can thrive without sacrificing their identities.

Notable Quotes

• Mikaela Lavons [00:05]: “Equal Justice USA is divesting from state violence while investing in the community and resources that are needed for community thriving and safety.”

• Jami Hodge [13:55]: “We push the boulder up, and then it rolls back. We have to continue to push that boulder.”

• Mikaela Lavons [19:16]: “Capitalism and like our economic system has white supremacy baked in.”

• Jami Hodge [26:49]: “It requires a little bit more work, you know, than if I'm sitting across from a person who looks like me.”

• Jami Hodge [31:51]: “Did you, you know, look me in my face when I asked you a question and not respond because I'm a black woman.”

• Mikaela Lavons [35:03]: “Different people relate to money differently depending on how you show up, your racial history.”

• Jami Hodge [40:16]: “If it hasn't come up, that's a huge red flag.”

• Mikaela Lavons [46:18]: “Listen to how they talk about race... if they're saying things like, we don't see color... that's a red flag.”

• Mikaela Lavons [51:32]: “Being comfortable with the uncomfortable... we can do hard things, we can move through it and get our job done.”

• Jami Hodge [52:21]: “I can talk about it from the heart... it's not academic.”

This episode offers profound insights into the nuanced experiences of BIPOC fundraisers, emphasizing the need for systemic change, authentic leadership, and the recognition of unique strengths that enhance the nonprofit sector's mission to create social change.