As someone who spent years fundraising for causes that matter to me, I know how hard it can be to ask for support. It takes time, strategy, and often, more emotional energy than people realize. And for leaders of color at local nonprofits — many of whom are serving communities that have long been under-resourced — the challenges can feel even greater.
That’s part of why our program Cultivate is so meaningful. It provides strategic support to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) nonprofit leaders through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities in order to close ongoing fundraising gaps that challenge their organizations and the communities they serve.
Since Cultivate started in 2022, it has helped many nonprofits grow: $417,392 was raised by 42 Cultivate organizations during Big Day of Giving 2024. That reflects a 74% increase in funds raised by Cultivate 2023 members whose organizations participated in Big Day of Giving 2024, showing the lasting impact of the skills and community they developed. And, to date, 85% of nonprofits in Cultivate manage operational budgets under $500,000, showing Cultivate is reaching small, grassroots groups.
We created Cultivate in 2022 to address the funding gaps that persist for BIPOC-led nonprofits in our region. These are organizations doing incredible work — building strong relationships, delivering meaningful outcomes — but still, they often receive less support than their peers.
We’ve seen this reflected in our own local data. During Big Day of Giving 2022, nonprofits led by people of color raised 38% less on average and received 30% fewer gifts than other organizations of similar size. Numbers like those are difficult to ignore, and they point to a gap we knew we could help address.
Members of Cultivate and the Foundation staff
Cultivate is our way of doing that. It’s designed to nourish not just fundraising skills but also connection and collaboration, because increasing funds raised is about more than dollars — it’s about building networks, sharing resources, and ensuring that every leader in our community feels supported and seen.
When I think about Cultivate’s impact, I find myself thinking about the relationships that have formed across our three Cultivate cohorts, the generosity of spirit among these leaders, and the way they show up for one another. To me, the sense of community is just as valuable as the funding.
If you’re wondering how you can support this work, one place to start is by making a gift to our Impact Fund and joining our Impact Collaborative. You can also get to know the incredible organizations that participate in Cultivate, all of which are participating in this year’s Big Day of Giving. You can also use the search filters on GivingEdge to discover additional nonprofits in our region that are led by, or primarily serve, historically impacted communities.
Thank you for helping to close these gaps and lift up the people and organizations working so hard to strengthen the Sacramento region.
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.