signature practices
As a community foundation and as a backbone organization for Black-led change,
we have the honor of supporting dynamic visionaries across our state while understanding the conditions of the movement as a whole. Together, we’re supporting Black-led change not only like we want it to win, but like it is already winning (download our Strategic Direction Report).
In order to effectively build infrastructure for Black led change and reach our strategic goals, we have created signature practices to build Black philanthropic power, transform philanthropy, and support community leaders. We believe that in order to create long lasting transformation, we need to develop practices instead of programs. Programs are temporary; practices are long-term approaches. Through our signature practices, we do the following:
participatory grantmaking
We believe the most effective philanthropy is participatory, engaging those most proximate to guide us toward a transformative future. Through our culturally grounded approach to grantmaking, we are harnessing the power, leadership, and brilliance of Minnesota's Black communities to create transformational solutions to our state's biggest challenges.
Black-led Change Grants
We invest in the genius of Black-led change. We resource organizations, visionaries, community builders, groups, businesses, faith leaders, artists, and communities who advance the power, interests, and well-being of Black communities, often benefiting all people. Our grants support community-centered and culturally-powered solutions by providing Black-led organizations, businesses, and initiatives with transformational grants to advance their mission. Coupled with direct investment in organizational leaders, this flexible support amplifies and sustains critical legacy and emerging work across our community. See our list of grantees here.
Community Builders
Our Community Builders practice is a beautiful expression of true 100-percent participatory philanthropy. We are proud to amplify the home-grown talent and vision for social change we have right here in Minnesota. Through this practice, we are building philanthropic power in Black communities across the state, and supporting organizations, social impact businesses, and visionaries who are shaping our collective well-being. Each cohort of Community Builders has influenced the grantmaking design of The Collective year after year.
New Suns Fellowship
The New Suns Fellowship is an initiative that supports the genius of Black-led change by investing in organizers and leaders engaged in community centered civic action. Building on the positive momentum and legacy of the 2020 uprisings, the fellowship supports leaders who are organizing for durable, transformative infrastructure and power within their communities. It also aims to build an ecosystem of leaders focused on civic action, connecting each fellow to a larger, interconnected network of leaders, organizations, and initiatives committed to long-term transformation.
Each fellow receives $10,000 in flexible funding to support their efforts. In addition to grants, the New Suns Fellowship includes retreats and convenings as immersive spaces for reflection, strategic planning, and community-building. These leaders also will advise The Collective, guiding responsive organizing efforts and philanthropic investments to advance the genius of Black-led change.
Read more about our 2025 cohort here.
Power-Shift Solidarity Between Philanthropy and Black-led Change
We transform philanthropy in Minnesota and beyond by facilitating, supporting, and inspiring the philanthropic field to be in power-shifting solidarity to realize the promise of racial justice. We partner with renowned organizations to advance systems change through data, relationships, and networks.
Learning & Research
This signature practice is one of the most impactful components of our work and is a big part of our value-add in creating the conditions for Black-led change to be visible and well resourced.
Our first research report, "Toward Power-Shifting Solidarity," released in May 2023, explores data on anti-Black racism, racial justice, and Black-led social change to inspire greater alignment with philanthropic investment in racial justice. In partnership with Center for Evaluation Innovation with contributions by Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity (PRE), The Black Collective Foundation MN created a one-of-a-kind study asking the question: What will it take for institutional philanthropy in Minnesota and beyond to move at the speed of courage and invest wholly in Black lives?
The resulting report, "Toward Power-Shifting Solidarity," explores data on anti-Black racism, racial justice, and Black-led social change to inspire greater alignment with philanthropic investment in racial justice.
DOWNLOAD OUR 2023 REPORT
Once the form has been completed, you will be given the link to download a PDF of our most recent Research Study completed in partnership with The Center for Evaluation Innovation and Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity (PRE).
Power-Shifting Solidarity Network
We recognize and support the capacity, strategic strength, and leadership driving transformational change on the ground. We embrace shared accountability and show up as learners to foster systems transformation.
Nurturing, Connecting, and Strengthening the Ecosystem of Black-led Change
The Ecosystem of Black-led change includes communities of people, organizations, and ideas that experience a shared environment and a common vision for Black people to thrive. We are interconnected and interdependent to achieve that vision. We support, connect, gather, and amplify the ecosystem to build power and strengthen our community.
Rooting
Rooting is an ongoing gathering series for Black people working and leading across the philanthropic, nonprofit, business, community, education, and additional sectors of the ecosystem. The space is curated for fostering connections, mentorship, relationship-building, and learning. These gatherings celebrate the greatness of our culture and provide the critical support needed for all of us to thrive in our professional lives.
Threading the Genius of Black-led Change
Threading is an annual engagement for our partners to experience the spirit and genius of Black-led Change. Leaders in racial justice philanthropy, Black-led community organizations, and businesses journey to sites across our community at the forefront of transformative work. By visiting with community partners, participants have the opportunity to meaningfully connect, expand their understanding of Black-led change, learn more about The Collective, and acknowledge the struggle that was illuminated in our community in 2020 while experiencing the progress since that pivotal year.