As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, we are proud to highlight the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)—a partner deeply committed to advancing equity, health, and opportunity. Their investment in the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) over the past 4 years reflects a shared belief; when capital flows into historically excluded communities, it fuels not just economic growth but healthier, stronger futures.
We had an opportunity to speak with the team at RWJF and here’s what they had to say:
Why RWJF Chose the Alliance
RWJF’s mission is clear: to ensure everyone in America has a fair and just opportunity to thrive. For them, that means reimagining how capital reaches communities long denied access to investment.
“RWJF aims to change how capital reaches communities that have historically lacked investment to help their residents reach their best possible health and wellbeing. The Alliance is a powerful force in catalyzing financing for essentials like housing that’s affordable and for small businesses that create jobs that build wealth. The Alliance’s members have a deep understanding of the needs of their communities and make loans that center resident priorities to create meaningful impact.” — Chloe Gurin-Sands and Amy Gillman, RWJF.
By partnering with the Alliance, RWJF is aligning with leaders on the ground who know firsthand what their communities need to prosper.
Why Investing in Black-led CDFIs Matters
Generations of structural racism have denied Black families the ability to build and pass down wealth. This reality has shaped not only economic mobility, but also health outcomes and opportunities for generations.
“Everyone in America deserves a fair and just opportunity to thrive and plan for the future. Yet structural racism has deprived Black families from building wealth that can be passed down from generation to generation. CDFIs led by Black leaders can help address racial bias in how loans are processed and who receives fair financing. That can build wealth for families and improve health and wellbeing.” — Chloe Gurin-Sands and Amy Gillman, RWJF.
RWJF understands that investing in Black-led CDFIs is about dismantling systemic barriers and building pathways to opportunity.
Looking Ahead: Building Health and Wealth Together
RWJF envisions a future where health is not a privilege, but a right. Their support of the Alliance reflects their commitment to ensuring every community has access to the building blocks of health: stable housing, thriving businesses, and generational wealth.
“RWJF is working toward a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. The Alliance’s work to increase investment in communities of color aligns with our vision that the places we live, learn, work, and play should offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible.” — Chloe Gurin-Sands and Amy Gillman, RWJF.
A Shared Commitment
At the Alliance, we are honored to partner with RWJF—an institution that understands the inextricable link between wealth and health. By working together, we are charting a path toward equity, ensuring that Black-led CDFIs have the resources to do what they do best: transform communities, close the economic wealth gap, and create a legacy of opportunity.
As Black Philanthropy Month reminds us, philanthropy rooted in justice is about building futures, investing in equity, and believing in the power of Black leadership.
“RWJF’s partnership reinforces what we’ve long known: when we invest in Black-led CDFIs, we’re not just financing businesses or housing—we’re investing in the strength, resilience, and wellbeing of entire communities that have been left behind. That is how we close the racial wealth gap and create lasting change.” — Lenwood V. Long, Sr., CEO of The Alliance.
