At Social Justice Fund NW (SJF), we center leadership and resourcing that’s rooted in lived experience and shared values. Our team represents identities that have been historically excluded from power. We’re not just reacting to the moment–we’re building an audacious future for collective liberation.

SJF’s Black Femme Leadership

Valériana Chikoti Bandua-Estes (she/her), executive director, is an Angolan Black immigrant. Andriana Alexis (she/her), grantmaking and impact director, is the second-generation daughter of a Panamanian-born father and a Black mother.

Rahel Gaguro (she/her), finance and operations director, is a first-generation Ethiopian. Aisha Al-Amin (she/her), development director and a mixed Black Muslim woman, is serving in her first directorship.

“The beauty of us collectively representing a variety of communities that historically have experienced exploitation,” said Valériana, “is that we won’t trend and move when a social issue is hard or not–because all of these issues impact our communities.”

Resourcing By and For Movements

Social Justice Fund prioritizes resourcing by-and-for organizations—ones that are created and led by the people most directly affected by the issues the organization is working on. For SJF, this is multiracial and cross-class work, moving money to groups that are typically underfunded by traditional philanthropy.

Over the past two decades, only 10% of philanthropic dollars in the US have gone to nonprofits led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. In fact, traditional philanthropy has often gotten in the way of social justice movements.

Which is why SJF gives the highest priority to organizations representing communities who have suffered from historical oppression and discrimination.

Is Trust-Based Philanthropy Trustworthy?

“Right now there’s a lot of buzz about ‘trust-based philanthropy’ but not really any recognition that trust is a two-way street. It’s not just philanthropies trusting people, but are philanthropies themselves trustworthy,” said Andriana.

The philanthropic sector was founded in the early 20th century by wealthy whites to take advantage of a new tax-exempt classification for nonprofits. The classification was supposed to encourage the wealthy to give their money away, but instead became a way to avoid taxes and hoard wealth in private foundations.

As a result, traditional philanthropy has often upheld oppressive systems like white supremacy, saviorism, patriarchy, and classism. Fundraising and grantmaking practices often fail to address—or even make worse—the root causes and injustices marginalized communities face.

The Problem With Performative Philanthropy

“Today, philanthropic organizations can struggle to focus; often quickly shifting priorities without recognizing how deeply interconnected social justice issues really are,” said Aisha. This reactive, performative approach, Andriana noted, makes the philanthropic sector unreliable and inconsistent.

“Resourcing movements with unrestricted funds empowers/entrusts organizations to make the best decisions for their work,” said Rahel. Unreliable resourcing undermines social movements, systems change, and long-term progress.

Following George Floyd’s murder, billions of dollars were pledged for racial justice. But in the end, a lot of the funding was overstated or redirected to internal organizational commitments instead of Black-led grassroots efforts.

The Goal Is Collective Liberation

Sustainability, long-term legacy, and collective liberation drive SJF’s future. This year, we are creating our first five-year strategic plan–dreaming bigger, and aiming higher. 

Aisha said she’s proud to be part of SJF honing in on its vision and holding its work well. Rahel said her dream is for staff to feel fully supported and gain skills that extend beyond SJF. Andriana said she’s excited to push boundaries, and accelerate what’s possible in philanthropy. 

“I really hope that when people think of SJF they see an arc of possibilities, towards what collective liberation can be,” said Valériana. “That no matter what issue arises, our shared desire to move with precision is founded in our collective commitment to move toward our mission, vision, and values–and that no matter what we continue to show up.”

Written by Sharon Ho Chang, Strategic Communications Manager

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