Small, grassroots nonprofits led by people of color are vital to our region — delivering high-quality programs, building deep trust in their communities, and tackling urgent local needs. Yet when we analyzed Big Day of Giving data in 2022, we uncovered a troubling disparity: these organizations raised 38% less and received 30% fewer gifts than other similarly sized nonprofits. This gap mirrors a national trend and has real consequences for the communities these nonprofits serve.
The Sacramento Region Community Foundation launched the Cultivate program to change that trajectory and strengthen fundraising skills, expand networks, and open more opportunities for nonprofits led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to thrive.
The most recent Cultivate cohort shows the impact of this work. Over the course of the program, participants’ fundraising confidence rose. Every participant left feeling more connected to fellow nonprofit leaders, and many exceeded their own fundraising expectations during Big Day of Giving — with some doubling or even tripling their previous year’s totals. Explore these successes and more in our Cultivate Impact Report (PDF).
Make Your Impact
Support efforts like this with a gift to the Impact Fund. Contribute at your preferred level and join the Impact Collaborative, a network of changemakers dedicated to building a vibrant region. Plus, enjoy exclusive access to gatherings and seminars that put you in touch with the heart of local philanthropy.