A philanthropic collective by women of color,
for women
of color
Often, traditional philanthropy is led by people furthest from the actual need, leading to inequality and out-of-touch decisions. Women of Color Give takes a human-centered approach adding to the diversity of voices in philanthropy.
Empowering and investing in projects for and by individuals of color along the West Michigan Lakeshore.
Become an
investor
We invite Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) interested in supporting philanthropy in West Michigan to join our existing investor group of 100+ BIWOC leaders.
Our BIWOC members are called investors because we gather to create a space for fellow women of color to step into their power and leverage their resources as community builders and world changers.
Member Investors commit to...
- Pledge $75.00 per quarter for an annual contribution of $300.00 to the WOC Give Donor-Advised Fund. This financial commitment serves as the investor’s proxy to nominate nonprofits and vote in our annual grant distribution program.
- (Optional) Volunteer to serve on the following committees: Events, Membership, Nominations & Distribution, Strategic Partnerships
Become a
partner
Anyone can partner with WOC Give!
Your partnership will help center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as they direct dollars to causes that advance, develop, and promote BIPOC initiatives.
Partnership looks like...
- Supporters – Non-investor individuals or family allies that donate to the WOC Give Donor-Advised Fund in any dollar amount.
- Collaborators – BIPOC vendors and ventures, non-investing BIWOC, funded partners (WOC Give grant recipients), and other nonprofits that are doing similar work to support and elevate the BIPOC community.
- Sponsors – Individuals and organizations that contribute a cash or in-kind donation to support WOC Give operations through a specific event or initiative.
We are changing the narrative of
philanthropy
Traditionally, philanthropy is led by people furthest from the need, isn’t represented by diverse groups of people, and reinforces existing power dynamics that are often harmful to people of color.
Today, women and girls of color only receive 2% of the philanthropic pie while making up 19% of the U.S. population. Studies also indicate BIWOC choose how to give based on their race and ethnicity and therefore bring a more inclusive and equitable approach to giving despite being grossly underrepresented in formal philanthropic sectors.
A New Model of Philanthropy
- Empowers those closest to the pain
- Changes structural power dynamics
- Adds more diverse voices to philanthropy
Thanks to
WOC Give, our staff of color has gained access to quality training to support the mission of LIA of bringing stability to West Michigan families and communities through legal services, education, and advocacy.
Eva S. Alexander (She/Her/Ella)
Executive Director, Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates
Who Women of Color Give
empowers
Your donation—whether as a member or an investor—assists charitable organizations and causes in West Michigan that invest and empower projects for and by women of color.
Traditional Philanthropy
- Led by people furthest from the need.
- Reinforces existing power dynamics.
- Is not represented by diverse groups of people
