In 2021, the Bush Foundation committed $100 million to seed two community trust funds—one Black-led and one Indigenous-led—to address racialized wealth disparities. This became Nexus Community Partners’ Open Road Fund and NDN Collective‘s Collective Abundance Fund.
Historically, Black and Indigenous people have been pitted against each other by colonizers and oppressors. But we know Indigenous sovereignty and Black liberation are tied to one another. While our people have unique histories and current needs, we are subjected to similar discrimination and violence—and neither of us will be free without the other.
At this summer’s Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) Conference, our three organizations co-facilitated the session Redefining Wealth and Promoting Co-Liberation for Black and Indigenous Communities, highlighting how our shared values strengthen our partnership and deepen our collective impact in the communities we serve.
What We Believe: Lessons & Commitments from the Community Trust Fund Initiative
Click to read our shared belief statements.
The 2026 GEO National Conference gathered more than 1,000 grantmakers in Boston to explore what it means to transform philanthropic culture and practice. Participants learned how philanthropy can strengthen trust, build deeper relationships, move resources more effectively, and show up in service of thriving nonprofits and communities. We were honored to attend and share our work!