I Be Black Girl Gives

Centering Black women, femmes and girls through collective giving.

The 2022 IBBGives Grant Application is closed

Black women and femmes are at the helm of every social movement in our history yet receive the least amount of resources and funding needed to do this integral work. 

We know that traditional philanthropy was not created with or in the image of Black women however Black women have always been philanthropic.

The practice of Black women not being allowed to bring their whole selves into spaces of philanthropy, while funding in the name of liberation, has had lasting impacts. Throughout history, Black generosity and philanthropy have created their own tables of progress, especially to support Black futures and I Be Black Girl is no different (Feminist Strategy).

"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."

Let’s Break it Down

 IBBGives is a giving circle in Omaha, Nebraska that centers Black women, femmes and girls through collective giving. A giving circle is formed when individuals come together and pool their dollars, decide where to give the money (and other resources, such as volunteer time), and learn about their community.

I Be Black Girl creates a platform that allows for Black women, femmes, girls and allies to pool resources that are collectively reinvested in programs led by and support Black women, femmes and girls.

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 in Omaha looks and operates the same; often leaving out folks that are 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’s meaningful to us.

We want to fund projects that:

Serve at least 75% Black women, femmes and/or girls

Are led by Black women, femmes and/or girls

Provide IBBGives members an opportunity to volunteer

Reflect our values of humanity, equity and empowerment

Based on research done by Grantmakers for Girls of Color, we are also interested in projects that reflect these priorities and guiding principles:

  • Increase support for basic necessities and critical supportive services
  • Focus on innovative health and wellness support
  • Focus on educational equity and opportunity
  • Have ongoing engagement with girls and young women (youth-led initiatives)
  • Emphasize resilience, not deficits
  • Recognize historical, demographic and political context
  • Are collective in nature and not competitive

2022-2023 Grantees

The Keys Foundation

The Relationship Corner

UNO Black Excellence

Youth for Greater Good

2021-2022 Grantees

Art Bus
Touch of Gold
Room for Roots – Priscilla’s Way
Omaha Black Doula Association
Ladies in Information Technology (LIIT)
Wonderfully Made

 

2020-2021 Grantees

I Heartbeat Dance
Ladies in Information Technology (LIIT)
Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center
Wonderfully Made
Collision
Smart Girls Travel Foundation
The Keys Foundation

2019-2020 Grantees

Curls on the Block
Empower Me – Alyssa’s Piano Studio
Ladies in Information Technology (LIIT)
Peace of Mine Self Care Retreat
My Sister’s Keeper
The Keys Foundation/Confidently Me Mentoring Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must be organizations/projects serving and are led by Black women and girls in Omaha. Applicants do not have to be affiliated with a 501c3 nonprofit organization to apply for funding. Organizations and those leading community projects of all sizes and capacities (especially small, grassroots efforts) with budgets under $500,000 are strongly encouraged to apply! If you have questions about eligibility, email hello@ibeblackgirl.org 

  • To be a voting member of IBBGives, you must identify as a Black woman, femme or girl and give a minimum of $150 before the December 31 year-end deadline. 
  • If you do not identify as a Black woman, but still want to support this initiative, you donate using the link below. However, only investors who donate more than and identify as Black women, femmes or girls will be able to participate in the decision making process.