“Funders who choose to dream big know that the examples for “good” philanthropy are the starting points of changing the landscape. We need those funders who are willing to go beyond those starting points to reimagine the system of funding–building power to cede power.”
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”Being an entrepreneur is like walking blindfolded. Sometimes you don’t know where it leads you or the outcomes. You just have to do it. I walk into every scenario with the sense that I have to try and if I fail, it is a lesson learned.”
Find ways to learn the uncomfortable truths that BIPOC leaders can share about grantmaking practices and grantor-grantee interactions that might unintentionally stifle voices and limit innovation. The fact that these negatives are unintentional does not give us a pass on taking steps to do better.
“Every child needs mirrors in which to see themselves, windows in which to see different worlds, and sliding glass doors with which they can access their own futures. My venture provides books for children that are mirrors of themselves, windows to other worlds, and literacy is the skill that slides open doors for them to walk through.”
“Founding a company is like parenting - there are many books on the subject; it looks easier from the outside than actually having to live into your responsibilities everyday; it is totally consuming. And even on the hardest days you love this other thing more than you love yourself.
What I’ve come to believe is that just as children don’t belong to parents, that companies do not belong to founders. We’re entrusted with a gift that life has given us. And that one day we must give it back.
It is time for me to give the gift of Camelback back so that someone else can lead.”
“When I went through the process of being pregnant and postpartum for the first time, I realized that so many of the mental wellness systems that touch us - communities of color, immigrants, etc. - erase these beautiful gifts that were passed down to us, and that we want to continue to pass down to future generations. I was frustrated and didn’t want to wait around for someone else to build a system that is more responsive to our needs. I wanted to be a part of shaping the world I wanted to see.”
Read More“…to effectuate change within your own organization and in the world of philanthropy, partnership between board and staff is critical. We recognize there might be skepticism in doing this work collaboratively. I can only speak for myself, and I know every relationship is different, but doing this work together was truly transformational for our foundation. If you have a safe, trusting, and transparent relationship with your board members, or even just one, I highly recommend considering going through a journey like this together.”
Read More“When we truly center equity and justice, we'll still be working toward outcomes, but we'll know the outcomes are driven by and for the people we are serving.”
“I do this work because it is deeply personal. It is what I wish was in place for my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. It is what I wish for my children and for all children.”
Read More“I joined the Capital Collaborative is because I'm new to the philanthropic space and was seeking a peer cohort experience that allowed me to explore the intersection of racial justice and philanthropy.”
“What I enjoy most about being a founder is the freedom to create, to change course, and to dream big.”
Read More“When I applied to the Capital Collaborative cohort I was hoping to join a career-centered space to build community and find accountability as a white woman working to advance racial equity and justice in all aspects of my life. After our second and final Summit in New Orleans, I am hoping to continue to change and learn…”
“I saw the Capital Collaborative as an opportunity to be in community with other philanthropy professionals that might be finding themselves in a similar place, learn best practices, and to be held accountable by folks inside and outside of my organization. If we want the philanthropic sector to have its greatest impact, it is important for White-identifying funders to proactively engage as this is not work that will happen on its own.”
“I love sharing about the changing world with today’s youth and creating a space for curious kids who love to explore and make a difference in their community.“
Read More“It’s great for White funders to learn and hold knowledge, especially about the historical and current systems that perpetuate racism and inequity, but knowledge is not the measure of our success, nor is deepening our understanding sufficient. My success is and should be measured by action - the way in which I support and resource the leaders best positioned to develop their practices and lead on change.”
Read More“I believe that Cohort Sistas will be able to not only help increase the number and percentage of Black women and non-binary scholars who complete doctoral degrees, but will also empower more scholars to utilize their academic and professional skills post-doctoral degree to change the world in significant ways.”
Read More“We know that only 4% of the $76 billion foundations gave out in the U.S. in 2019 went to Black and Latiné entrepreneurs even though they represent 29% of the population. We also know that 76% of foundation staff identify as White and White Americans’ social networks are 91% White. All of this led us to the creation of the Capital Collaborative.”
Read MoreCamelback Ventures is hiring for a Vice President of Development! If you or someone you know is a business-minded leader with expertise in fundraising and a passion for supporting BIPOC, women, and non-binary entrepreneurs, we want to meet you! Click here to learn more about the role and apply.
Read MoreEven if you’ve never written a line of code, you still need to understand technology fundamentals, like how a tech product is built, what it can do for your business, and how to hire and communicate with your tech team. These 7 tips from Camelback Fellowship Coach Maxim Cramer will help you on your journey.
Read MoreFrom boosting economic growth in undervalued communities by creating job opportunities to developing innovations that can help save lives - Camelback Ventures is proud to support BIPOC, women, and nonbinary entrepreneurs across the country leading social impact ventures. These founders lean into this challenging and often lonely journey guided by their 'north stars'. In February 2023, Camelback is launching a yearlong "Entrepreneurship Is..." campaign to share the motivational stories of what propels Camelback Fellows to turn their dreams into reality.
