More than a program
A Village
Because Leaders Need Villages, Too.
For generations, Black-led organizations have carried the responsibility of meeting urgent community needs while navigating systems that too often overlook, underfund, and undervalue our work. Still, Black leaders continue to create solutions, build trust, and drive lasting change in our communities.
The Village exists to ensure we don't have to do it alone.
We cultivate spaces where Black nonprofit leaders can connect, learn, restore, collaborate, and access the resources needed to strengthen both themselves and the organizations they lead.
Our work is grounded in the understanding that sustainable impact requires sustainable leadership, and that thriving communities are built by leaders who are supported, resourced, and connected.
Today, organizations serving Black communities continue to receive only a small fraction of philanthropic investment. In 2025, just 0.61% of total charitable giving reached Black-serving organizations. The Village was created to help close that gap while building something equally important: a community where Black leaders can thrive together.
Where It Started
The Preamble
The Village was born from a simple and radical premise: that Black nonprofit leaders in Nashville were already doing extraordinary work — and that what we needed wasn't more advice. We needed infrastructure, investment, and a community that understood what it actually costs to do this work.
Core Team
The Village runs on operational leadership, deep community trust, and cross-sector relationships built over years. Our core team is small and intentional — and they're surrounded by a network of strategic partners who are an extension of how we do this work.
Erika R. Burnett
Executive DirectorWith a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
Sales ManagerShekinah Stacy
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.
Strategic Partners
