Beyond The Check

Beyond the Check: Funding Truths Rooted in Equity, Culture, and Community is an intimate, fireside-style brunch conversation designed for nonprofit leaders, development professionals, and changemakers who are ready to move past theory and into real, transparent dialogue about philanthropy.

Hosted by Takiyah Imani Roberts (Cheif Operations and Growth officer of The Black Mill) in conversation with NaTasha Horton (Senior Vice President & Regional Community Development Manager, Truist), this session will unpack the realities of grantmaking through a lens of equity and cultural fluency.

Too often, Black-led and grassroots organizations are underfunded not because of capacity gaps, but because philanthropy was not built with them in mind. This event creates space to:

• Gain first-hand insight from equity-focused funders on navigating institutional systems and supporting under-resourced communities.
• Learn practical strategies for strengthening funder readiness and building authentic relationships.
• Explore how storytelling, trust, and alignment can shift power dynamics between nonprofits and funders.

This is not a pitch session, but a trust-building dialogue rooted in clarity, culture, and community. Expect a curated brunch experience, a transparent conversation, and the chance to connect with peers who are equally committed to reshaping philanthropy.

Capacity is limited (45 attendees) to ensure meaningful engagement.