United Way’s Racial Equity Fund is to increase investment in organizations serving people of color, led by people of color with an emphasis on Black, Latina/o/x, Asian, and Indigenous leaders. Currently, significant disparities exist within social justice sectors in terms of underrepresentation in leadership and lack of access to funding and support for people of color leading organizations. These leaders often possess expertise due to lived experience, training, and education and we are committed to highlighting these strengths and infusing greater resources to ensure leadership sustainability.
United Way is committed to deepening our impact as funders, partners, and conveners, especially as related to racial equity and social justice. Our Charge: Dismantle systemic inequities by building capacity of Black- and Brown-led organizations to identify and address Black and Brown defined priorities in collaboration with the community.
Since 2021, the Racial Equity Fund has been able to provide funding to 31 organizations to help support general operating support, special projects and initiatives, and emergency needs.
Specifically United Way will:
- increase funding to Black- and Brown-led organizations.
- advocate and support Black- and Brown-led ideas through a community-based advisory committee.
- commit to doing our own internal equity work while carrying out external initiatives.
- hold ourselves accountable to deepening and strengthening this effort year after year through transparency at all levels, from the Board to, most importantly, the community.
We know that we will do this better side by side with the community. Together, we will commit to dismantle systemic inequities by building capacity of Black- and Brown-led organizations to identify and address Black and Brown defined priorities in collaboration with the community.
The Racial Equity Fund Advisory Council members will represent the communities we seek to benefit/support through our investments. Committee members are invited to join because of demonstrated personal commitment to racial equity and justice.
Members of the advisory committee and sub-committees will work with other council members and United Way staff to:
- determine the best way to address racial inequities for organizations led by Black and Brown community members.
- understand community aspirations and concerns.
- identify other partners in this work.
- define measures of progress and results.
Advisory Council expectations:
- Act as an in-house advisor. Share your expertise and experiences with United Way staff to further enhance the mission of United Way through the Racial Equity Fund.
- Regularly attend Committee meetings.
- Be willing to engage in frank and candid discussions related to racial equity and racial justice issues in Milwaukee and nationally.
- Review materials prior to meetings, participate in discussions, and offer suggestions.
- Promote United Way’s racial equity mission and opportunities for partnership within one’s personal and professional networks.
- Review materials created by United Way to provide feedback.
Note: This position can represent an organization applying for funding but cannot make funding recommendations as part of the grant award process and must adhere to United Way's Conflict of Interest policy and complete a Conflict of Interest form.