Amendment #321 to H4000

Infrastructure support for Black-led non-profit institutions

Representatives Fox of Boston and Swan of Springfield For infrastructure support and new initiatives undertaken by Black-led non-profit institutions focused on the pressing social and economic needs of communities of color; provided that grants and other expenditures under this account shall be allocated by the Black Directors Alliance…..$5,000,000

Over the past several years, Black-led, community engaged, non-profits have seen a steady decline in funding from philanthropic foundation and public sector sources.  Already embattled and often serving a community over-looked and/or denigrated, these systematic cuts are proving devastating.  Groups like the Peace Institute, City Life/ Vida Urbana, the Union of Minority Neighborhoods and others are having their work critically hampered.  While being Black-led often increases their effectiveness in the communities they serve, it can simultaneously hinder the access to social and financial capital to help them survive during economically tough times.