Historically, United Way’s track record in addressing social justice and the needs of marginalized communities was dismal. And since it had a monopoly on workplace giving, it was important to challenge them to improve their giving.
Through partnerships, conferences, media campaigns and local organizing, NCRP put the pressure on United Way. It also nurtured the development of alternative giving funds such as Community Shares, Earth Shares and Community Coalition Funds.
Between 2000 and 2002, alternative funds distributed more than $10 million annually to organizations promoting social justice causes.
NCRP also helped organized four of the first women’s funds from New Jersey, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. These funds, along with the Women’s Way in Philadelphia, organized a conference in 1985 that resulted in the Women’s Funding Network.
Now, we see United Way embracing many of the things NCRP was pushing them to do. “Advocate” has been added to their tagline. They also do a much better job of investing in communities of color.
Interested in learning more? Contact community@ncrp.org to receive free digital copies of the following publications: