Black Freedom Fund - California Community Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

California Community Foundation Announces Landmark $3.5 Million Partnership with California Black Freedom Fund

Los Angeles, CA – February 29, 2024 – California Community Foundation (CCF) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) with an initial commitment of $3.5 million from the state of California. CCF will be the Southern California home for CBFF and will bolster the organization’s critical work to advance racial equity, support Black-led power building organizations, and foster systemic change.

The California Black Freedom Fund, a donor collaborative fund launched in 2020, focuses on investing in Black-led organizations across California. The fund aims to address the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized Black communities and supports organizations working towards a more just and equitable society.

“California Community Foundation is proud to join forces with the California Black Freedom Fund to advance racial justice and Black empowerment in our region,” said Miguel Santana, President and CEO of CCF. “This partnership amplifies our commitment to build a more equitable Los Angeles County and create meaningful change in Southern California and beyond.“

Through this partnership, CCF and CBFF will collaborate to provide resources, capacity-building support, and strategic guidance to Black-led organizations in Southern California. The $3.5 million commitment from the state will help amplify the impact of CBFF’s grantmaking and programming, ensuring that Black communities have the resources they need to thrive.

“We are thrilled to welcome California Community Foundation as our partner and home in Southern California,” said Marc Philpart, Executive Director of the California Black Freedom Fund. “This partnership represents a significant advancement in our collective efforts to support Black-led power building organizations and advance racial equity across the state. Together, we will work to build a more just and inclusive California for all.”

Southern California has one of the largest Black communities in the country and California holds significant influence over the nation. The state can lead the way in fostering racial equity and advancing racial justice to achieve a harmonious L.A. County.

“The Black Freedom Fund (BFF) has a demonstrated history of not only creating data informed advocacy, but also transformative solutions that empower our communities,” said California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas. “I am excited about working with BFF to create communication and educational strategies that will result in increased community involvement on larger policy initiatives. The Black Freedom Fund’s role in legislative affairs, community advocacy and academically framing political discourse is both highly sought after and much needed.”

CCF has an established record of investing in the Black community. Through programs like BLOOM, Ready to Rise, and the Black Empowerment Fund, CCF has created partnerships to build greater community resiliency. The collaboration between CCF and CBFF underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to addressing racial disparities and fostering a more equitable future. By joining forces, they aim to create lasting change and empower Black communities across Southern California.

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About California Community Foundation

California Community Foundation (CCF) is a nonprofit organization that has served as a public, charitable organization since 1915, empowering donors to pursue their own personal passions and to collaborate with us in addressing the pressing needs of our region. For more information, visit www.calfund.org.

About California Black Freedom Fund

The California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) is a donor collaborative fund that seeks to ensure that California’s future is defined by expanded opportunity, shared prosperity, and equitable power for all Californians. For more information, visit cablackfreedomfund.org.