This work is about so much more than money. While I still enjoy exceeding fundraising goals, there is much joy to be found in facilitating conversations, celebrating small wins, and inspiring gratitude.

Let's talk about nonprofit storytelling. How do you balance effective storytelling that is not exploitative?

Nonprofit organizations with BIPOC leadership receive fewer grant dollars with greater restrictions. What can these organizations do to build stronger relationships with funders?

What does racial equity grantmaking look like, and how do you get started?

In all of our fundraising, soliciting, and event planning, let’s remember that we, too, are agents of social change.

So, what might an inclusive and accessible future look like? April Walker gets us thinking about the intersection of disability and race, barriers to unemployment, and what we can all do. In the second half, we dive into our own experience, unemployment during this pandemic, key takeaways, and our hopes for the future.

As the beloved Toni Morrison taught us, “You are not the work you do. You are the person you are.” Do not diminish or narrow your impact, success, and capabilities to what occurs between now and Dec. 31.

I lift up Black philanthropy for all of its dynamism and vigor, honoring the ways in which our generosity does not rely on accolades. Instead, our gaze is fixed on philanthropy designed by us, for us.