New United Way initiative supports Black nonprofit leaders [Video]

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Black nonprofit leaders are getting more support to bolster their projects, raise funding and serve their communities thanks to a new venture from the United Way.

The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey has launched the Center for Leadership Equity, which is designed to provide critical support for Black nonprofit leaders.  Managing director Kelly Woodland says part of the center’s responsibility is to remove barriers to success, face challenges and advocate on behalf of Black nonprofit leaders.

“That’s something that hasn’t been done, because when you’re running a nonprofit organization, it’s very difficult to do all that you have to do to meet a community’s needs, and at the same time, advocate for equitable funding, advocate for unrestricted grants,” said Woodland. “That’s what the center wants to be able to do.”

Officials say the center aims to support at least 250 leaders and organizations in its first year. Programming will expand as they obtain more …