In 2025, Borealis Philanthropy’s Spark Justice Fund (SJF) will launch the BlackPrint Fellowship—a bold, unapologetic investment in directly impacted Black leaders. This isn’t your typical leadership program. It’s a radical commitment to wellness, community, and self-determined resources. It’s a declaration: we invest in what we cherish. And our most cherished leaders deserve to thrive, to be well, and to lead as their whole, unapologetic selves.
We sat down with SJF Program Director, Sade Dumas, a visionary force in philanthropy, to dive into the inspiration behind the Fellowship, its participatory design, and why this moment demands a reimagining of how we support movement leaders.
The Spark Behind BlackPrint
What inspired you to create this Fellowship?
Black leaders receive less than 1% of philanthropic funding, and that slice shrinks even more for those impacted by the carceral system. I’ve lived this reality as a former executive director, and I hear it echoed in the experiences of our grantee partners. They’re not just underfunded—they’re left without critical resources: technical assistance, capacity-building support, and access to power networks.
The BlackPrint Fellowship is our answer to that. We’re stepping up to invest in the brilliance of Black leaders working at the intersection of racial equity, decarceration, and anti-criminalization. It’s about giving them the tools, the space, and the care to sustain themselves and their movements.
A Blueprint for Sustainability
What’s the ultimate goal of the Fellowship?
Movement sustainability, plain and simple. Right now, 71% of racial justice activists report feeling isolated or depressed, leading to burnout and, too often, an early exit from the work. And we’ve seen far too many Black leaders dying prematurely.
For our movements to thrive, we must start with the wellness and sustainability of the people leading them. We can’t win without them, and we can’t expect them to pour from an empty cup.
SJF grantee partners place stickies on a board during a leadership activity at the fund’s convening in May 2024.
The Real Cost of Losing Black Leaders
What happens when leaders leave?
When Black leaders are forced out, we don’t just lose a person; we lose brilliance, institutional knowledge, and forward momentum. Organizations crumble under the weight of transition, and the ripple effect weakens our entire movement.
The BlackPrint Fellowship aims to shift this narrative. We’re building pipelines so that when leaders decide to move on, they do so on their terms, with successors ready to carry the torch. This kind of intentional succession planning strengthens organizations and, by extension, our entire movement ecosystem.
Participatory Design: Centering Lived Experience
Why was a participatory design process key?
If we’re going to design a program to meet the needs of Black leaders, we need Black leaders at the table. We brought in seven of our grantee partners as co-creators to answer the core question: What do you need to thrive, and how can philanthropy help get you there?
How did you ensure the process was equitable?
We compensated our co-designers fairly, provided nourishing meals, and included somatic healing in our sessions. This wasn’t just about gathering input; it was about modeling what a caring, non-extractive partnership with philanthropy looks like.
What stood out from their input?
One clear priority was financial coaching tailored to their individual self-care and leadership needs. Many leaders expressed frustration with philanthropy’s one-size-fits-all approach, which doesn’t account for the unique circumstances they face—whether they’re raising kids, managing chronic illness, or navigating volatile political landscapes. We’re flipping that script.
SJF grantee partners smile for the camera at the fund’s convening in May 2024.
Unexpected Magic
What surprised you most during the process?
The siblinghood that formed. Leaders who entered this process feeling isolated are now deeply connected. Their group chat is thriving—a space for sharing wins, challenges, and advice. That sense of community was an unexpected but beautiful ripple effect, and it’s exactly the kind of energy we need to keep our movements strong.
A Call to Action
Any final thoughts?
We can’t do this alone. The BlackPrint Fellowship is made possible by our philanthropic partners, and we’re calling on others to join us. The needs are growing, and so is the opportunity to invest in something truly transformative.
If you’re ready to support this groundbreaking work or want to learn more, email us at sparkjustice@borealisphilanthropy.org. Let’s build something revolutionary together.
This isn’t just about funding—it’s about fundamentally changing the way we value and support Black leadership. Let’s get to work.