The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global framework adopted by 193 countries in 2015 with a target date of 2030. The SDGs are organized according to 17 overall goals focused on economic, social, and environmental indicators for developing and wealthy countries alike. (See SDG guidebook and toolkit for community foundations here.) ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities is partnering with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to help community foundations incorporate the SDG framework into their racial equity work to increase focus, accountability, and impact. ABFE uses a comprehensive approach to strengthening grantmaking, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational culture. The cohort-based format, led by two ABFE Trainer/Advisors, includes small and large group interaction with an emphasis on peer learning. Participants have opportunities to apply program content to current work, and typically leave with concrete plans for next steps. Each participating organization is represented by 1-3 individuals per track. Organizations may apply to participate in one or more of the following tracks:

• Staff (two half-day sessions)
• Trustees (two full-day sessions)
• Donors (two full-day sessions)
• Open “refresher” track for Staff, Trustees, and/or Donors from organizations with prior exposure to ABFE's racial equity framework. (single full-day session)

 

ABFE is a membership-based philanthropic organization that advocates for responsive and transformative investments in Black communities. Partnering with foundations, nonprofits, and individuals, ABFE provides its members with professional development and technical assistance resources that further the philanthropic sector’s connection and responsiveness to issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Established in 1971 as the Association of Black Foundation Executives, the all-volunteer organization was credited with many of philanthropy’s early gains in diversity. It since has evolved into a fully staffed, influential network. In 2013, the organization shed its descriptor and adopted the simpler ABFE (ab-fee) to better reflect its broadening membership.

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, established in 1926 in Flint, Michigan, by an automotive pioneer, is a private philanthropy committed to supporting projects that promote a just, equitable and sustainable society. It supports nonprofit programs throughout the United States and, on a limited geographic basis, internationally. Grantmaking is focused in four programs: Civil Society, Education, Environment and Flint Area. In addition to Flint, offices are located in metropolitan Detroit, Johannesburg and London. For more information, visit www.mott.org.