Did you know that last year, 73% of all philanthropic dollars came from individuals in the US? People like you and me gave a combined amount of $218 billion.  BILLION.  Foundations, on the other hand, only accounted for 14% of charitable dollars and corporations far, far less at 5% ($14.5 billion).

Knowing this number, one would expect that people are the primary drivers in funding social justice organizations. The truth of the matter is, only a handful of small to mid-sized organizations working in communities of color get a majority of their funding from individuals. The bulk of us, including the Ella Baker Center, are funded in large part by private foundations. While we expect to continue to seek (and receive) foundation funding in years to come, one of our strategic goals is to grow our individual base of supporters for sustainability.

Enter the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training (GIFT) and their conference, Money for Our Movements. On August 10-11, 2012, GIFT will host its biennial gathering with more than 700 individuals representing hundreds of social justice organizations for an inspiring weekend of training designed for movement makers.

This event is open to all activists, community organizers, and fundraisers of all levels interested in developing new and innovative ways of sustaining resources for our movements and communities.

If we don’t do it, who will?

So, here are three things you can do:

1.     Register today for the conference and polish up your own fundraising skills (this is a highly coveted skill!);

2.     Help underwrite the cost of sending Ella Baker Center staff to the conference (our goal is to send at least two people to the conference, which will cost $500); and

3.     Invite others to the conference (registration closes July 31^st).