Philanthropic Partnerships of Today: Black Impact Collaborative

The work of Grand Rapids Community Foundation over the last century has required us to evolve in many ways. The lessons we’ve learned have required us to not only evaluate how we approach our work, but also with whom we partner.

Through grantmaking from unrestricted resources, we seek to partner with community-led organizations doing systemslevel work that addresses the root causes of racial, social and economic injustice. With that, we are also working to find ways to better resource grassroots movements and organizations. Also, our philanthropic services team intentionally introduces donor advisors to opportunities to support nonprofits that align with their philanthropic interests while also advancing equity. We understand that today’s complex needs require a variety of philanthropic tools.

Our partnership with Black Impact Collaborative, an emerging anchor organization, reflects this approach. BIC brings together several Black-led organizations and concerned citizens to identify and illuminate the needs of Black people in Greater Grand Rapids in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. It balances responsiveness to real-time issues with activating its network and resources to address long-term systems change. BIC demonstrates how cross-functional partnerships are emerging in community to answer current needs and anticipate future needs by focusing on seven impact areas.

We connected with a few BIC leaders recently to learn more about their work.

Can you share a bit about BIC’s organizational model and the benefits of this collaborative approach to change making?

Rev. Eula C. Gaddis, DMin, BIC Incarcerated Committee chair: The BIC model touches the areas of life that are vital to Black Americans locally, as well as nationally. To name a few: education, economic security, health and well-being, the elder generation and incarcerated persons. I believe in order to support the betterment and advancement of Black Americans living in West Michigan, the need for a multi-pronged approach is necessary.

Senita Lenear, BIC member: The adages “…my brother’s and sister’s keeper” and “it takes a village…” are the Black Impact Collaborative’s model in action…A number of entities working collectively and sharing resources, wisdom, programs, access and advocacy is our collaborative approach. When working together, you have greater impact and outcomes and can stretch the dollars entrusted to you.

The Community Foundation appreciates BIC’s ability to balance being responsive to real-time issues impacting Black communities with working to address long-term systemic inequity. Can you share how you maintain this balance?

SL: It immediately became apparent that the BIC needed to become an organization that lasts beyond addressing issues surrounding COVID-19, because we saw how COVID-19 exacerbated existing issues plaguing our community. Our original Position Paper 2.0—a statement of position documents that outlined data, challenges and recommendations surrounding COVID-19—was published one month after we started meeting. Within that document we shared the need to continue our work “beyond COVID-19” strategies. There is so much work to be done, but we are committed to staying the course and grateful that the Grand Rapids Community Foundation has invested financially in our “beyond.”

Since BIC’s founding, what lessons have you learned and how has the organization grown and evolved?

Kenisha Dorsey, BIC secretary and Communications Committee chair: When I think about when COVID-19 first hit, there were reports surfacing everywhere about disparity. There is so much work to be done in various areas, and I think BIC has evolved into an organization that focuses on the disproportionality that continues to be evident in Greater Grand Rapids. We work collaboratively with grassroot organizations to create an atmosphere of trust and a “here to help” mentality.

Rev. ECG: The organization went from an idea and concept to a credible source for support for Black families in West Michigan. The main lesson exists in the organization’s name: “collaborative.” When people who are determined to make a difference work collaboratively toward the same goal, anything is possible. Many BIC members knew one another through community work or professional encounters. However, the organization has evolved into a group of committed individuals working together to bring about change in the community.

What do you see for the future of BIC?

KD: BIC’s responsive communication platform is key to determining how the future of BIC looks. It is our desire to build on the premises that we need to gather as much information as possible and [continue to] share information for the well-being of Black Greater Grand Rapids. There are many barriers that exist to just getting some of the simple information that’s needed regarding resources.

Rev. ECG: The future for BIC will further expand its reach into areas where there is a much-needed change. The plight of incarcerated persons and providing the necessary support for individuals and families is vital. BIC is investigating programs that will sever the school-to-prison pipeline, advocate for persons in the justice system, provide family support and secure post-release programming for returning citizens.

The Community Foundation has partnered with BIC to support initiatives related to COVID-19 response, eldercare and returning citizens. What milestones, accomplishments or discoveries can you share?

KD: We are grateful for the support and partnership with the Community Foundation. This partnership allows us to expand on the need to inform, educate and bring vaccine information and education to the Black community. BIC has been able to create events to provide education and information regarding COVID-19 vaccine clinics as well as provide information on the virus. Partnering helps BIC broaden the reach. There have been successful vaccine clinics held at various churches with a goal to create neighborhood-specific vaccine clinics. Current accomplishments include providing information and education to 246 Black businesses about BIC and its vaccine initiatives. Efforts continue to create programming around the top five health conditions affecting the Black community at disproportionate rates and share COVID-19 and vaccine clinic information during specific engagements.