NCF uses a three-pronged philanthropic approach to achieve our mission: respect-based grantmaking, culturally relevant capacity building, and fostering an ecosystem that supports robust racial equity and social justice outcomes for non-profit and foundation leaders.
In response to the dueling crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and murder of George Floyd, The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund (NCF) was created as a funding and support resource for Black, Latino, and Indigenous entrepreneurs, innovators, and non-profits. Together, we are addressing systemic racism and racial inequality, while fostering inclusion, representation, opportunity, and prosperity for Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities in Massachusetts.
NCF partners with champions, allies, and grassroots advocates who work within their communities to dismantle structural racism.
NCF amplifies the voices and efforts of underestimated and underfunded Black- and Brown-led organizations, connecting them to resources and each other within its five pillar areas: Policing and Criminal Justice Reform; Health Equity; Economic Empowerment; Youth Development; and Identity and Culture Narrative.
Beyond supporting those in our active portfolio, NCF works to build a broader ecosystem of leaders moving to dismantle systemic racism across the Commonwealth.
We are a coalition of Black and Brown executives who leverage our individual and collective resources to reform the power structures that have disproportionately under-funded and under-resourced communities and leaders of color for generations.
Disruptive funding model will advance the impact-driven missions of Black and Brown-led non-profits across the commonwealth
20 organizations throughout Massachusetts to receive $50,000 in one-year grants
In this moment of racial awakening and anguish, the question on many minds is: “What can I do?” For 19 Black and brown business leaders in Boston, it was the question, too. They felt compelled to respond, and they’ve come up with a big idea: the creation of the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund. If […]
NCF’s comprehensive and holistic approach, which includes investment, capacity building, and ecosystem work that is grounded in deep partnership with nonprofit leaders, differentiates it from peer funders and, according to nonprofit leaders, is leading to different outcomes.
NCF is proximate, deeply authentic, and has created a safer than normal space for nonprofit leaders. NCF considers nonprofit leaders the experts in their fields and listens deeply to their perspectives; NCF’s leadership can connect with nonprofit leaders given their own lived experiences.
NCF co-designs with nonprofit partners through a respectful approach that puts nonprofit leaders at ease and fosters deep relationships. The partnership-based approach enables nonprofit partners to collaborate and innovate in ways they don’t otherwise have the time or resources to do.
NCF believes in its nonprofit leaders to hold themselves accountable and takes responsibility to ensure they have the tools to do so. NCF is not bound by calcified rules and decades of precedent – NCF is operating as an investor disrupting philanthropy from within, challenging the ecosystem to shift outdated practices with urgency.
NCF was born out of love, respect, rigor, determination and courage. We have come together in hope and power with a singular focus: disrupt and reform harmful, colonialistic power structures that have created generational economic and social inequities for Black, Latino, and indigenous peoples.
Respect
Love
Rigor
Determination
Courage
As advocates for economic equity, our leadership is committed to disrupting the status quo. We know that economic power and privilege continues to be unevenly distributed throughout our country. We aim to transfer this power to Black and Brown leaders and the communities they serve.
Our founders put their money where their hearts were by raising the initial $20M. Now, we invite others to join us! Together, let’s render old, racist systems obsolete and replace them with wide-open thoroughfares of opportunity.
Robert Alan
100%
of NCF investments
support Black and Brown communities
$8M+
given out
to support over 100 nonprofits across the Commonwealth
50%
of the non-profit
organizations NCF supports are woman led
Interested in learning more about NCF and the opportunities we offer? Please email us, or fill out and submit this form.
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Please help to make the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund a sustainable, lasting catalyst for positive change in Massachusetts. We are uniquely focused on providing financial and other essential support to organizations working on innovative and actionable solutions to create just and equitable systems.
We cannot affect this change without contributions from individuals and corporations committed to improving the racial climate and leveling the corporate and non-corporate playing fields for Black and Brown people. We hope that your organization can give to this absolutely essential mission.
We believe in supporting and amplifying the impact of leaders who are closest to the challenges brought about by systemic racism—those with proven practices that lead to its disruption. Because we simply cannot wait for these injustices to resolve themselves organically or for systemic racism to die from natural causes.
The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund focuses its investment with the following priorities in mind:
We will be accepting the following applications:
You may submit a concept note for the following applications (Rolling) with an invitation for further discussion.