PHILADELPHIA, PA — The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ), alongside key regional partners such as the William Penn Foundation and Comcast, has inaugurated the Center for Leadership Equity. This initiative aims to bolster Black nonprofit leaders through specialized capacity-building programs, increased access to funding, and strategic advocacy tools, all directed towards enhancing racial equity within the nonprofit sector.
Kelly Woodland, Managing Director of Leadership Equity at UWGPSNJ and Co-Founder of Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia (BNCEP), emphasized the critical need for this initiative. “When you invest in Black nonprofit leaders, the operations of their organizations improve. When operations improve, the delivery of services, programs, community benefits, and outcomes also start to improve,” Woodland stated. The Center’s focus on Black-led organizations, identified as most affected by the racial equity gap, ensures these entities receive the vital resources necessary to affect meaningful change in their communities.
The Center’s launch follows a successful pilot program run in collaboration with BNCEP. This program facilitated networking and idea exchange among Black nonprofit executives, offering events to connect with funders, wellness retreats, professional development opportunities, and executive coaching for 20 leaders. Loree Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance, praised the pilot’s impact, saying, “The pilot program has been invaluable to me. Whether we gather virtually or in person, I find the interactions with other nonprofit executives to be incredibly affirming.”
Going forward, the Center plans to provide leadership development academies, executive coaching, mentorship, and annual conferences. Additional offerings may include sabbaticals, fellowships, and a CEO Bootcamp. Advocacy for Black leadership and equitable funding will remain central, as will efforts to fortify the Center’s infrastructure to maximize its impact across Greater Philadelphia and beyond.
Shawn McCaney, Executive Director of the William Penn Foundation, expressed strong support for the initiative. “We are proud to support the Center for Leadership Equity. Our grantmaking prioritizes opportunities for communities that have been most affected by economic inequity, racial discrimination, and other forms of injustice,” McCaney remarked. The Center’s work aligns with these values, enhancing leadership capacity and expanding access to vital resources.
Gwyneth Gaul, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy at Comcast Corporation, highlighted the alignment with Comcast’s Project UP initiative. “Through Project UP, Comcast’s initiative to invest in organizations that are advancing digital equity and economic mobility, we believe it is critical to invest in proximate leaders and are pleased to see the Center doing just that,” Gaul stated.
The Center for Leadership Equity aims to support at least 250 Black nonprofit leaders and organizations in its first year, with plans to expand as funding increases. Interested participants are encouraged to apply online to access the Center’s offerings and gain free membership to BNCEP.
Bill Golderer, CEO & President of UWGPSNJ, underscored the broader systemic goals of the Center. “By launching the Center for Leadership Equity, United Way is committed to not only supporting Black nonprofit leaders but also driving systemic change within the nonprofit sector. Ensuring these leaders have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to grow is vital to creating stronger, more equitable communities.”
The Center’s initial funding comes from a coalition of regional supporters, including the William Penn Foundation, Comcast Corporation, The Hamilton Family Foundation, Philadelphia Health Partnership, The Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation. This coalition’s backing is pivotal in launching what promises to be a transformative force in the nonprofit landscape.
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