Black History Month 2021: Black-Led and Founded Nonprofits

We often hear the phrase “Black-owned businesses” but what about Black-founded or Black-led nonprofits? In order to continue supporting Black organizations and to honor Black History Month, we have highlighted several with a variety of missions.

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO 

R.A.C.E. Matters is a grassroots organization dedicated to center the lived experiences of Black and other People of Color through anti-racism education and cultural projects. R.A.C.E. Matters fulfills their mission through workshops, special events, cultural projects, and rapid response to racial and social injustice. 

Outdoor Afro

Outdoor Afro ensures that Black people have access, representation, meaningful participation, and quality experiences in nature with an emphasis on conservation and re-imagination of Blackness in the outdoors. 

Black Girls Code

Black Girls Code aims to increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering girls of color ages 7 to 17 to participate in STEM fields and become leaders in their communities through exposure to computer science and technology. 

Audre Lorde Project

The Audre Lorde Project is a center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color that works for community wellness and social and economic justice through mobilization, education, and capacity-building.

Sister Love 

Sister Love is a Black-founded nonprofit which aims to eradicate the adverse impact of HIV and promote sexual and reproductive health rights for women and families through education, prevention, support, research, and human rights advocacy. 

Common Ground Foundation 

Founded by rapper Common, the Common Ground Foundation empowers high school students from underserved communities to become future leaders through programs on healthy living, social impact, technology, creative arts, and more. 

Trayvon Martin Foundation

Founded by Trayvon Martin’s parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, the Trayvon Martin Foundation aims to end senseless gun violence through education and awareness.

For more diversity, equity, and inclusion resources for nonprofits, visit our Resources and Useful Websites page.