Black Equity & Excellence Giving Collective

Black communities have always been rich in talent, leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship and a tradition of supporting one another. Across Central New York, the Black Equity & Excellence Fund has helped strengthen that work by investing in community-driven opportunities and organizations that are making a difference every day.

Over the past several years, the Fund has supported:

• Youth and literacy programs
• Arts and culture initiatives
• Economic empowerment efforts
• Health and wellness programs
• Leadership development
• Community events and grassroots organizing
• Black-led organizations and emerging leaders

These investments reflect the strengths, ideas and aspirations that already exist within our community.

At the same time, we know that creating lasting opportunity requires more than short-term support. It requires resources that are rooted in community and built to endure.

Across the country, many initiatives focused on expanding opportunity and strengthening communities face funding uncertainty, shifting priorities and growing competition for resources. Rather than simply reacting to those challenges, the Black Equity & Excellence Giving Collective is designed to help build something lasting.

By bringing people together to invest collectively, the Giving Collective helps create impact today while building a stronger foundation for tomorrow.

The goal is simple: to create a community-owned resource that continues supporting Black communities, leaders and opportunities for generations to come.

Each year, members contribute into the Giving Collective Fund. Contributions are divided into two focus areas:

70% supports community priorities and opportunities happening right now.

These funds support:

• Community-based organizations
• Emerging initiatives
• Multi-year investments
• Responsive community needs
• Programs serving Black communities across Central New York

30% helps create a permanent community resource that can continue supporting future generations.

These funds help build the permanent Black Equity & Excellence Endowment. The endowment is designed to create long-term sustainability so the community can continue supporting this work regardless of political, economic or institutional shifts. As the endowment grows, investment earnings can help support future grantmaking indefinitely.