--- title: How to Fundraise as an Ally description: Often, our habits are not only perpetuating classism/racism, but also cause us to overlook those who'd make wonderful board members, donors & stakeholders. image: https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/TWB%20Fundraising%20-%20How%20to%20Fundraise%20as%20an%20Ally.png --- [![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web.svg)![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - 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[Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - [How we increase impact](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/) - [Fundraising Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/fundraising-counsel/) - [Organizational Development & Leadership](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/organizational-development-leadership/) - [Data Management, Analytics & Research](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/data-management-analytics-research/) - [Executive Recruitment & Transition Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/executive-recruitment-transition-counsel/) - [Who we help](https://www.twbfundraising.com/who-we-help/) - [Arts and Cultural Institutions](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/arts/) - [Higher Education](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/higher-ed/) - [Faith-Based Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/faith/) - [Human Services](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/human-services/) - [Animal Welfare](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/animal-welfare/) - [Healthcare and Health-Related Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/healthcare/) - [Organizations and Associations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/organizations-and-associations/) [Contact Us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/contact-us/) April 6, 2021 # How to Fundraise as an Ally Written by [Amy Funk](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/amy-funk) ![](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/TWB%20Fundraising%20-%20How%20to%20Fundraise%20as%20an%20Ally.png) This year has been rocked by events that highlight America’s racism and income inequality. For many of us who are white, it has also been a year of soul searching, and of making sure that our fundraising work doesn’t contribute to the very system of bias we’re working to eradicate. Often, our habits are not only perpetuating classism/racism, but also cause us to overlook individuals who would make wonderful board members, donors, and stakeholders. Of course, there are many actions needed to take to become an active ally. Here are six important steps to get your organization started: ### 1. Don’t make assumptions about capacity based on race. Many Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) donors are overlooked while nonprofits chase the same handful of white prospects.   ### 2. Meet people where they are. If you use the same networks and approaches, you’ll miss the opportunity to engage new communities. *(This is true for hiring, too!)*  ### 3. When aiming to diversify your board, be intentional. Be intentional about who you are seeking and why you want them to be involved with your organization. Adding board members just to meet a quota is wrong and unlikely to create a strong and long-term relationship. Don’t forget to include LGBTQIA candidates in your strategy.   ### 4. Review your mission, website, and materials. Ensure that they reflect the entire community. If people don’t see themselves reflected in your organization, they will assume it’s not for them.   ### 5. Commitment to equity and racism If a commitment to equity and anti-racism isn’t in your strategic plan and organizational values, it should be.   ### 6. Seek out and listen to BIPOC voices. Most importantly, make sure that you’re seeking out and listening to your BIPOC staff, donors, and stakeholders.  --- Below are some additional resources from BIPOC voices if you’d like to dig deeper: - [Nonprofit AF](https://nonprofitaf.com/), from the incredible Vu Le, has been leading the charge on this issue for years. - [Community-Centric Fundraising](https://communitycentricfundraising.org/) (also the focus of an upcoming [AFP Chicago workshop on April 9](https://afpc.memberclicks.net/20210409afpworkshop#/)) - Article: [Does Your Board Need to Be More Diverse? Here's How to Do It.](https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2021/03/08/does-your-board-need-to-be-more-diverse-heres-how-to-do-it/) Finally, consider taking [a bystander intervention course](https://www.advancingjustice-chicago.org/what-we-do/bystander-intervention-trainings-2/) to help combat the current rise in harassment and discrimination.    - [#Blog Post](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/blog-post) - [#donors](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/donors) - [#Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/fundraising-2) - [#fundraising strategy](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/fundraising-strategy) - [#donor outreach](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/donor-outreach) - [#automation](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/automation) - [#technology](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/technology) [![Amy Funk](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/Amy%20Funk%202023%20copy.jpg)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/amy-funk) Written by ### [Amy Funk](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/amy-funk) Amy Funk is Senior Vice President at TWB Fundraising. ## Comments Questions or comments? Join the conversation! [![TWB Fundraising Logo](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/) How to reach us 2 North Riverside Plaza Suite 1875 Chicago IL 60606 - [+1 312.222.0560](tel:3122220560) - [+1 312.222.0565](tel:3122220565) - [info@twbfundraising.com](mailto:info@twbfundraising.com) Follow us on Sign up for our newsletter Get the latest in nonprofit news and advice delivered straight to your inbox. [![The Giving Institute Logo](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TheGivingInstitute_logo.svg)](http://www.givinginstitute.org/members/?id=29718537&&trackr=GivingInst) Copyright © 2026 TWB Fundraising. 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