Advocating for racial justice within institutions and power structures shaped by generations of racism-based policies and practices can be lonely – and, at times, demoralizing. Finding the right support squad is vital when working to advance racial equity, especially as a public servant. The need to squad up was one key driver behind Leading with Equity, our ABAG-sponsored cohort of local jurisdiction staff from 12 Bay Area jurisdictions.

Over the last three years, our team has had the opportunity to work closely with over a dozen small non-profits that are expanding or transforming their organizational focus from direct service and advocacy to community investment and development institutions.

What is necessary to advance community power building and community development? We’ve found six thematic lessons emerging from our work in California.

What type of catalytic philanthropic investments are needed to make public resources flow to community organizations and projects? We interviewed nearly a dozen practitioners from across the state to answer this question.