The philanthropic has come to love a statement. …

As a queer Black woman, I’m situated at an intersection of identities that demand I dream the world I want to live in into reality. Even as anti-blackness, misogynoir, classism, and a myriad of other oppressions push Black women to the edges of our society, we are also inextricably linked…

I have always understood relationships to be necessary for my survival. Growing up with scarce financial resources, the necessity of relationships and the collective became clear at a young age. …

A year ago I stepped away from what might very well be my last full-time role in an organization. My decision to start consulting wasn’t part of a long-term goal or something I considered in depth before leaving my last job. It was a leap I made in hopes of relieving the crushing pressure I felt as a young Black person in the nonprofit sector. I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into with consulting but I did know that the mental, physical, and emotional toll of making space for myself as a Black woman, trying to make space for others, and doing my job, all while being underpaid, was too much.

Many in the nonprofit sector have long questioned and vocalizedthe unsustainable, racist, and capitalist nature of the field. And while the non-profit sector isn’t unlike other sectors, it is perceived to operate differently. There is a perception that nonprofits operate with a stronger moral compass, without ego, and an obligation to center those most impacted. Black Youth Project captures this sentiment perfectly in the 2020 article How nonprofits gaslight you into the same self-sacrificing work as capitalist corporations, “Sadly, nonprofits often operate similarly, but the nefarious difference lies under the cloak of being “community-focused” or “progressive”; post-onboarding, a constant gaslighting ensues.”

As a young Black woman in the environmental field, I was swiftly engulfed by the promise and obligation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work. I wanted to make space for myself and others in the field so, it felt like I needed to say yes to every opportunity to share my experience and educate people. And now, after 10 years of working in the field and still hearing the question, “Do Black people even go outside?” — I can’t help but rage at the machine DEI work has become. I’ve observed countless instances of DEI work replicating and reinforcing the very toxic and oppressive systems that it is intended to challenge.

2020 was pivotal in many ways. One of the most transformative things to happen was being introduced to Angela D’Arcy Mooney by Andrea Keller Helsel, from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The connection has resulted in a sweet friendship, a fellowship, and a radical display of what’s possible when there is Black and Indigenous solidarity. “We’re excited to introduce our newest fellows, Angela Mooney D’Arcy and Grace Anderson, with support for their fellowships provided in part by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. As they explain in the Q&A below, Angela and Grace are collaborating on a vision to create a dedicated resource space where leaders of color, who are presently and historically under-resourced, can have a safe environment to dream and ideate in service of environmental and justice work.”

Philanthropy isn’t a radical act. Redistributing wealth acquired through exploitation, greed, racism, and tax evasion isn’t radical. Often, instead of creating abundance and fostering innovation, philanthropists exacerbate competition and manufacture scarcity by forcing competition for limited funding, which is ultimately distributed inequitably. Abolishing the systems that allow for gross wealth inequalities and resource hoarding would be radical. Guaranteeing a basic income, providing living wages, and ensuring access to safe and affordable housing and healthcare for all would be radical.

IT’S OKAY TO LEAVE SOMETHING GOOD FOR SOMETHING BETTER. And just because it’s good doesn’t mean you don’t deserve better. Give yourself permission to unapologetically pursue the depths of your fulfillment, joy, and happiness. (Applies to all aspects of life) THERE WILL NEVER BE A PERFECT TIME TO QUIT. There…