BNCEP

On June 26th, 2020, the Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia (BNCEP) was founded amidst COVID 19 and in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder. An affirming and supportive space was needed for Black nonprofit leaders from Philly to unpack and process the changing racial climate and its impact on our personal and professional lives. In addition, Black nonprofit leaders felt a need to offer support to one another during a difficult time. Our first meeting included 24 attendees convened via a Zoom call. From that point, the group conducted monthly virtual meetings and gradually evolved into a viable affinity group for Black nonprofit leaders. Since July, 2022 BNCEP, with funding from the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and other regional funders, have provided culturally competent executive coaching; sponsored several events that connected Black nonprofit leaders to regional funders to close the social access gap; conducted a summer leadership academy; and held our region's first Restore and Replenish Wellness Retreat specifically for Black nonprofit leaders. Membership has swelled to over 190 members and now includes emerging leaders. The BNCEP remains a supportive space and its value proposition for members is its ability to provide a viable learning community and affinity group for Black nonprofit leaders.