The Townsend Collaborative

Black Philanthropy.

Leading. Organizing. Empowering.

African Americans have the brilliance, vision, and collective power to identify impactful solutions to systemic inequality. Black philanthropists have a key role to play in this ecosystem.

Black Americans are deeply philanthropic — and we’ve been doing the work for generations. We give to local civic, community, and religious institutions; we give to friends and family members in need. Taking care of each other has been essential to our survival.

The Townsend Collaborative believes that African American philanthropists are poised to have an even larger impact on eliminating systemic inequality. We believe collective giving at scale can be transformational. And we believe Black philanthropists can influence where and how other philanthropists give.

Philanthropy, at its best, is partnering with communities we care about — and it’s motivated by love. Black philanthropists, in partnership with non-profit leaders and community members, can help lead the way.

What We Believe

We believe in the power of philanthropy.

We believe in the power of proximity.

We believe in the power of community.

The Townsend Collaborative harnesses these ideas to support African American philanthropists to amplify their impact.

When donors learn together, collaborate, and aggregate their giving they can have a deeper impact on the communities and causes they care about the most. True community empowerment and transformation happens when we go forward…together.

About The Team

  • Nicole Baker

    Founder and President

    With more than two decades of national non-profit and philanthropy leadership, Nicole combines her deep knowledge of both sectors to lead The Townsend Collaborative. Nicole is an accomplished social entrepreneur who has raised tens of millions of dollars, co-managed a two billion dollar national private family foundation, and is a trusted advisor and consultant to community leaders, non-profit executives, foundations and philanthropists. She is an author and speaks on topics of race, justice, advocacy, and systemic change.

    A Detroit native, Nicole lives in Washington, DC. She is active in several Black women’s organizations and is deeply motivated by her faith. Nicole is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received her PhD in education policy from UCLA.

    The Townsend Collaborative is named in honor of her great-great grandfather, James Matthew Townsend, who gives her strength for the journey.