The recent fifth-annual “Elevating You Brunch " buzzed with excitement, as Women of Color GIVE (WOC GIVE) gathered its members to announce the latest recipients of its yearly grant cycle.
The philanthropic group, which aims to uplift Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) initiatives, named Children’s Advocacy Center, I Am Academy, and Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative—Lakeshore Latinas as its top 2024 grant awardees.
Founded by and for women of color in West Michigan, WOC Give has connected philanthropy in Ottawa and Muskegon counties to a more inclusive model that places those “closest to the pain” at the forefront of the movement for change.
The organization focuses on advancing, developing, and promoting BIPOC communities in the Lakeshore region.
The three selected nonprofits were chosen from among 22 nominees. Each recipient will present its programming at WOC GIVE’s annual Investment Night on Dec. 11, competing for a share of $50,000 in funds allocated by the philanthropic collective.
“It’s always a challenge to pick just three local nonprofits each year,” says Rebekah Bakker, vice president of WOC GIVE. “But we are thrilled to welcome these organizations to our annual Investment Night and learn how they plan to funnel this grant back into our community.”
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CourtesyRebekah Bakker was named the 2020 Young Professional of the Year by the Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals.
This year, $25,000 will go to the first-place recipient, $15,000 to the second, and $10,000 to the third. Investor members of WOC GIVE will serve as the judges.
Over the past five years, WOC GIVE has grown into a significant collective by raising its investment in BIPOC-led initiatives in West Michigan. The group’s commitment to elevating BIPOC voices and empowering local organizations has brought a fresh perspective to the traditional giving landscape.
Bakker notes that the journey hasn’t always been easy but has consistently been rewarding.
“We’re creating a movement for women of color to see themselves as philanthropists, investors, and funders, driving change where we live,” she says.
The Lakeshore recently connected with Bakker to talk about the BIPOC initiatives and the organization's accomplishments.
The Lakeshore: WOC Give has grown significantly over the past five years. What have been some of the key factors that contributed to this growth, and how has the organization evolved since its inception?
Rebekah Bakker: Women of Color GIVE is intentional about creating a community and building spaces for our member investors to connect and belong. We have experienced increasing influence and impact as our fund has grown, evolving from a small working group and founding board to a thriving community with more than 100 member investors. Foundational to our work and community is a co-creation model of building, and it's been one of the most significant factors in our sustainability. We have member investors who are the ones shaping our events, grants, and our future.
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Courtesy WOC GiveFounded by and for women of color in West Michigan, WOC Give has connected philanthropy in Ottawa and Muskegon counties to a more inclusive model that places those “closest to the pain” at the forefront of the movement for change.
TL: Philanthropy is often seen as a traditional space. How has Women of Color GIVE worked to redefine the giving landscape for women of color, and what challenges have you faced in this mission?
RB: We believe in creating an accessible model of engagement where our individual investments contribute to a powerful collective of impact. Our approach redefines traditional philanthropy, focusing on collaboration and shared responsibility. Each Investor contributes $75 a quarter, and WOC Give routinely distributes funds totaling $50,000-plus in a year. We call out our impact as an investment and our members as investors because the language we live in to matters. We also view the organizations that we nominate and distribute grants to as funded partners. We are in this work with the organizations that receive funding. I think the challenges we face aren't new or unique—anytime you redefine, reimagine, or build new frameworks and paradigms, there are established systems in place that resist the change. Our organization is entirely volunteer run and led, and we rely on the passion and engagement from our investor members to lead the change we hope to see in our community. It sets the bar high to continually deliver value in programming, impact, and partnerships to sustain this work.
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J.R. ValderasWomen of Color Give members Kim Koeman, Rebekah Bakker and Robyn Afrik.
TL: As Women of Color GIVE continues to grow, what are your long-term goals for the organization? How do you envision its impact on the BIPOC community in West Michigan expanding?
RB: Our incoming vice president, Kim Koeman says it best: "Our long-term goal is to establish a sustainable funding model that supports our ongoing mission of building a community of support and leadership, creating a collective force that drives impact for and by women of color in our community. While Holland is more diverse than commonly perceived, the current distribution of power limits the space for our voices and influence. WOC Give aims to elevate the perspectives of those who have historically been disinvested in by shifting power dynamics. Our hope is that WOC Give will serve as a platform for our investors to influence, lead, and drive meaningful change. By fostering this environment, we can aspire to create a more equitable and inclusive community where diverse voices are both heard and instrumental in shaping our shared future."
TL: The Elevating You Brunch and the Investment Night are signature events for Women of Color GIVE. How do these events reflect the values of Women of Color GIVE, and what role do they play in building a sense of community among members and supporters?
Our events are designed and curated by an incredible committee of Women of Color Give investor members, and reflect the vibrant founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in our collective. These events serve a dual purpose: creating a space for us to come together while facilitating meaningful connections through a blend of informal networking and guided programming. We seek out BIPOC vendors and entrepreneurs for event support, helping them gain visibility for their businesses. Additionally, we invite our investor members to contribute to their talents as entertainment talent or keynote speakers, amplifying their messages to our broader community. Through these efforts, we have curated a bench of resources and collaborators that are reflective of our shared values.
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Courtesy WOC GiveThree recipients have been picked for WOC Give’s 2024 grant cycle: Children’s Advocacy Center, I Am Academy, and Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative – Lakeshore Latinas.
TL: Looking back over the past five years, what are some standout moments or achievements that demonstrate how Women of Color GIVE has made a tangible difference in the lives of BIPOC individuals and communities?
RB: I can speak for myself personally, and say that the mentorship and friendship I have within and through Women of Color Give has helped me grow personally and professionally. I credit a large part of my endurance and stamina in this work to the network, access, and encouragement of my sisters at WOC Give. As a collective, we have invested nearly a quarter of a million dollars into local organizations that are promoting the development and advancement of BIPOC on the Lakeshore, and our dollars have helped our funded partners secure additional investment from other donors. Together we are creating a movement for women of color to see themselves as philanthropists, investors and funders, driving change where we live.