This national network empowers Black nonprofit leaders through community, capital and capacity

Determined to address the obstacles faced by Black-led philanthropic groups, a Baltimore-based executive director built a network that today uses events, a new podcast and an accelerator to pursue its mission. Going forward, she plans to expand this vision beyond its Maryland core.

Jade Merritt, a two-time founder and undergrad alum of Temple University, created The BLK ED Network in 2021. Drawing from her experience as the executive director and creator of Mikey’s Miracle Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients and their families, Merritt recognized the need to support Black leaders and fight the nonprofit racial leadership gap — a problem defined, in part, by inadequate representation of such leaders and fewer resources.

“I did not really feel like there was a space for me,” said Merritt, who boasts a background in biotech and pharmaceuticals.

Beginning with focus groups, Merritt started by reaching out to Baltimore’s Black leadership community, particularly those who may have shared her experiences. She sought to convey that they now had a designated space — a space platform where Black leaders could freely engage with others who share their background and understand their challenges, as well as build community (the BLK ED Network’s first pillar).

But it wasn’t just enough to gather with everyone. Black leaders needed resources.

“Oftentimes, Black-led organizations, we don’t have the opportunity to sit with funders,” said Merritt.

In line with her network’s second pillar, capital, Merritt has previously organized events like “Meet The Funders” with organizations like the Maryland Philanthropy Network.

Merritt also partnered with Maryland Nonprofits on membership. Even with this partnership, she saw gaps in serving Black-led organizations that she thought the BLK ED Network could fill.

“We thought it was important that we have our own autonomy,” said Merritt.

Apply for membership with the BLK ED Network

The BLK ED Network currently has 81 members with varying professional backgrounds across organizations like St. Francis Neighborhood Center, Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation and MPN. Individual members include locally influential figures like Tammira Lucas, one of the network’s advisory board members, and philanthropic veteran Diane Bell-McKoy, a personal mentor to Merritt who supported the network through a recurring event series.

Bell-McKoy was recently a featured speaker at the network’s 3rd Annual HERStory Matters event in March.

BLK ED Network also seeks to broaden its impact with its podcast “Dear BLK ED.” With one episode in the books, the podcast aims to feature stories, expert insights and community connections.

The network launched another program in October 2023 to offer Black leaders more concerted support. The 10-month Black ED Leadership Accelerator is designed to guide participants through various processes such as fund development, legal considerations and leveraging social capital. A graduation ceremony for the 20 individuals in its current cohort is scheduled for June, and the application process for the 2024-2025 cohort began in May. Due to high demand, the network plans to increase the number of participants to 25 this year.

Those interested in the accelerator can register for an information session on May 27 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Register for the accelerator information session

According to Merritt, who also holds a master’s degree from Towson University, the membership base is approximately 65% women and includes a mix of genders. About 66% of the organization is centered in the Baltimore metropolitan area, primarily in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, with significant membership in Howard County and Prince George’s County as well.

Merritt said that BLK ED Network aims to expand to smaller counties within the state in the future. She feels confident in doing so with someone like Gov. Wes Moore, himself a former leader of college readiness-focused company BridgeEdU, leading Maryland.

“The issue is not unique to Maryland,” said Merritt. “It’s a systemic issue.”

Merritt plans to grow the network by identifying new locations to host pop-up events and establish additional chapters. Merritt is currently eyeing Charlotte, North Carolina due to its vibrant community of Black-led nonprofits. The BLK ED Network has already received inquiries from Black leaders in Atlanta, New Orleans and New York, as well.

As Merritt expands her role as a founder and embraces new motherhood, she aims to further support Black leaders in enhancing their capacity — the network’s third and final pillar.

“Mama,” Merritt said, “just has to kind of burn the midnight oil.”

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Correction: An earlier version of this article erroneously referenced a partnership with the Maryland Philanthropy Network. The partnership is instead with Maryland Nonprofits. (5/7/2024, 5:15 p.m.)