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The field of philanthropy lacks diversity, and there aren’t enough Black people on foundation boards or serving as senior executives.  That was the message from Susan Taylor Batten, president and CEO of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities and one of the speakers at the annual convening of the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative. “The importance of what we call ‘affinity groups’ in the field of philanthropy is absolutely necessary, because we have to

Since the election, the media has been full of thought pieces from liberal outlets and progressive commentators critiquing the Democratic Party’s emphasis on “identity politics” and subsequent alienation of the working class. This election was indeed all about identity politics: a coded, intentional, and strategic effort orchestrated by conservatives over multiple decades. Race (Whiteness) was front and center—and the people have spoken. Now, those of us working toward the

Hello ABFE members and supporters!   As we wind down the year, I am reaching out to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyous holiday season. It is almost impossible to put into words what kind of a year this has been. What I do know is that bold, courageous leadership is the only way forward, trusting that we as a people will be okay. It is with this sentiment that I chose celebration over fret as I write this message. And there is no better way to celebrate courageou

Late last month, a broad coalition of Arkansas nonprofits and donors coordinated the elimination of $35 million in medical debt for over 23,000 Arkansans. Leaders from two of the organizing groups say there is still much work to be done in this area and they hope to advance public policies addressing systemic challenges to lower-income citizens who encounter medical emergencies. Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, and Abby H

For foundations, the path to achieving racial equity starts with a simple choice: Do you use your endowment to maintain the status quo, or do you align your investments with your mission? When I came to Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) in June 2007, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Andrea Dobson shared that she wanted to transform our endowment. She envisioned aligning our mission and financial investments by increasing capital access to low-wealth communities, an

Since 2007, West-Scantlebury has guided WRF through a period of significant impact, co-founding initiatives such as Excel by 8, ForwARd Arkansas, Why AR?, and ALICE in AR (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), while expanding opportunities for Arkansas families and communities, according to the foundation. “Sherece did not just lead WRF — she strengthened it,” said Cedric Williams, WRF board chair. “She demonstrated how philanthropy can be a powerful tool for addressi