I BE BLACK GIRL GIVES
The Landscape
Black women have a long legacy of giving, organizing, and creating community wealth to support Black futures.
Yet, we’re still underfunded.
In 2017, less than 5% of all foundation funding for women and girls of color directly supported Black women and girls. That’s why IBBGives exists—to change that narrative, starting right here in Omaha.
Let’s Break it Down
“Of the $356 million from foundations available for women and girls of color (WGOC) in 2017, less than $15 million, about 4.2%, was specified as benefitting Black women and girls.”
Together, we pool our dollars, time, and energy to support community-based projects that reflect our values of humanity, equity, and empowerment.
We believe philanthropy should reflect the people closest to the work and we’re redefining what giving looks like in Nebraska.
What is I Be Black Girl Gives
I Be Black Girl Gives (IBBGives) is a first of its kind giving circle and philanthropic platform in Nebraska that creates opportunities for Black women to give in meaningful and collective ways. Voting members, Black women and femmes who invested $150 or more in the previous year, collectively decide which projects receive funding. IBBG partners also have the ability to contribute to the available grant pool and sponsor voting members.
What is A Giving Circle
A giving circle is formed when individuals come together and pool their dollars, decide where to give the money (and other resources, such as volunteering time), and learn about their community.
Why IBBGives Exists
While there were other giving circles in the Omaha metro prior to IBBGives, none were specifically dedicated to investing in the lives of Black women, femmes and girls. IBBGives founding members recognized that philanthropy often leaves out folks who are the closest to the issues and solutions.
IBBGives is changing the landscape of philanthropy in the Omaha metro and invites Black women, femmes and girls to give in a way that is meaningful to us.
What is a Voting Member?
A voting member is someone who actively participates in the decision-making process for how IBBGives funds are distributed. Voting members help determine which projects receive support, ensuring that resources reflect the needs and priorities of our community.
Who Can Be A Voting Member?
To be a voting member of IBBGives, you must identify as a Black woman, femme or girl, live in Nebraska or have direct ties to the state (including previous residency, remote work, or ongoing community connections), and give a minimum of $150 before the December 31st year-end deadline.
Research shows that organizations led by and serving women and girls of color, particularly Black women and girls, consistently create deep, community-rooted impact while operating with limited resources. These organizations demonstrate trusted leadership, effective stewardship, and a strong ability to meet community needs. Our collective giving invests in the leadership, solutions, and care that Black women, femmes, and girls are already building in their communities.
Circle Recipients
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The Keys Foundation
The Relationship Corner
UNO Black Excellence
Youth for Greater Good
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Art Bus
Touch of Gold
Room for Roots – Priscilla’s Way
Omaha Black Doula Collective
Ladies in Information Technology (LIIT)
Wonderfully Made
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I Heartbeat Dance
Ladies in Information Technology (LIIT)
Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center
Wonderfully Made
Collision
Smart Girls Travel Foundation
The Keys Foundation
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Curls on the Block
Empower Me – Alyssa’s Piano Studio
Ladies in Information Technology (LITT)
Peace of Mine Self-Care Retreat
My Sister’s Keeper
The Keys Foundation/Confidently Me Mentoring Program
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Arabella’s Mentorship Program
Press Medical Training, LLC
Royal House of Diamonds (RHOD)
Sankofa Birth and Wellness
The IBBGives Executive Committee
The IBBGives Executive Committee is a volunteer leadership body that guides the strategy, grant-making, and community engagement of the IBBGives Giving Circle. Committee members serve two-year terms and work collaboratively through a consensus-based decision-making process rooted in transparency, shared leadership, and community-centered impact. Together, they help recruit and engage members, oversee grant cycles, steward resources, and ensure IBBGives' work remains aligned with its mission to invest in and uplift Black women, femmes, and girls.