Austin has been coined the social innovation capital of the world. Yet, there is a clear lack of diversity in the field. This is not just an Austin, Texas, problem. This is a problem throughout the National social impact scene.
Non-profit Community
In the non-profit community, 87% of non-profit executive directors are white with minimal representation of people of color.
This lack of diversity has a cyclical effect throughout the non-profit world. Predominately White board of directors tend to hire majority white staff, who in turn elevate white applicants during the hiring process.
Social Impact Firms
We find the same issue with social impact firms. The majority of senior decision makers at social investments firms are White. With that said, less than 10% of all venture capital deals go to women, people of color, and/or LGBTQ founders. Additionally, data shows that black social entrepreneurs receive half as much funding after 1-2 years than their white counterparts.
We Need Representation
It takes more than good intentions to make a difference in the community. If we’re trying to create real social change, then we need changemakers and social entrepreneurs of color. We need individuals that reflect the makeup of the communities most impacted by social issues.
ChangeMakers of Color
Here are a couple of organizations fighting for diversity and inclusion in the social impact community.
Backstage Capital is an impact investment firm led by underrepresented founders. One of the founders, Arlan Hamilton, is a fierce LGBTQ woman of color. Backstage is dedicated to diversity and has invested more than $2 million in 50+ companies led by underrepresented founders. In fact, over 90% of their investment portfolio is represented by people of color and/or LGBTQ founders.
Another changemaker is The New Philanthropist (TNPTX). The New Philanthropist is a collective designed to address the lack of diversity on non-profit boards. Based out of Austin, Texas, TNPTX is dedicated to promoting and empowering leaders of color. They organize events and networking opportunities that gather prospective leaders of color, and provide training to prepare leaders of color for board service. 
The rise of social impact businesses is absolutely necessary. With that rise, we must ensure that inclusion and diversity is intentionally executed in the development of these spaces. THIS WHERE REAL CHANGE BEGINS!
To learn more about the social impact mission of Hustle for the Cause, visit our home page.
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