Hoperah Fund
Strategic capital supporting economic agency, ownership, and long-term stability.
The Hoperah Fund is the capital and philanthropic arm of the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance. It exists to support individuals, businesses, and community-based efforts aligned with economic growth, ownership, and long-term positioning. Capital is not separate from economic agency, It is a core part of it.
Why the Fund Exists
Access to capital remains one of the most significant barriers to economic stability and ownership. Many individuals and entrepreneurs have the ability, vision, and commitment to build—but lack access to the financial resources needed to move forward. At the same time, traditional funding structures often do not align with the realities of Black communities, leaving gaps in both access and flexibility.
The Hoperah Fund exists to help close that gap—by deploying capital in ways that support movement, not dependency.
How the Fund Works
The Hoperah Fund operates through a combination of direct giving, partnership-based funding, and long-term capital strategies.
It is designed to support both immediate needs and long-term positioning.
What We Support
The Hoperah Fund supports work across several areas, including:
business development and entrepreneurship
financial stabilization and barrier removal
access to economic opportunities
leadership development and ecosystem growth
individuals engaged in BWWA pathways
Impact of the Fund
Since its inception, the Hoperah Fund has been used to remove barriers and support the economic movement of Black women and their families.
The fund has supported individuals across multiple areas of life and work—recognizing that economic agency requires more than a single intervention.
Entrepreneurship & Business Growth
Supported the launch of over 1,500 businesses
Provided support to more than 3,000 entrepreneurs
Funded expenses including payroll, inventory, equipment, legal fees, and business registration
Helped business owners stabilize and grow at multiple stages
Education & Skill Development
Funded tuition, books, and academic expenses
Supported certifications and workforce advancement
Covered costs for conferences, training, and professional development
Provided access to tools such as laptops and learning resources
Workforce & Career Support
Supported individuals in transitioning into stronger career pathways
Funded clothing, transportation, and other employment-related needs
Helped individuals increase income capacity and stability
Housing & Family Stabilization
Provided rent and mortgage assistance
Supported transitional housing and relocation
Assisted with moving expenses and household needs
Helped rebuild homes with essential items such as furniture, food, and clothing
Barrier Removal
Supported credit repair and financial recovery
Helped resolve debt and banking challenges
Assisted individuals in accessing second-chance financial systems
Removed financial obstacles preventing individuals from moving forward
Community Impact
Primarily focused on Foundational Black American women
Also supported broader community members across time
Helped individuals access additional funding, loans, and opportunities
Strengthened families, businesses, and community stability
What This Means
The Hoperah Fund is designed to meet people where they are—while helping them move forward. It recognizes that economic agency is built through removing barriers, creating access, and supporting individuals across multiple areas of life.
Connection to BWWA
The Hoperah Fund works alongside BWWA’s broader ecosystem:
Career to Ownership Institute (learning and positioning)
The Ascent (Career & Economic Hub)
Economic Agency Report (research and strategy)
Together, these elements create a full pathway—from awareness to ownership.
The Long-Term Vision
The Hoperah Fund is structured to grow over time—expanding access to capital, strengthening leadership, and contributing to long-term economic stability. Through its endowment and aligned giving strategies, the fund supports both present movement and future generations.
Ways to Contribute
There are three primary ways to support the Hoperah Fund:
1. Direct Contribution (BWWA)
Contributions can be made directly through the BWWA website.
While BWWA is not a tax-exempt nonprofit, these contributions support the organization’s general operations, ecosystem work, and specific initiatives if donors choose to direct their support.
2. Fiscal Sponsorship (Pillsbury United Communities)
BWWA is fiscally sponsored by Pillsbury United Communities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Donations made through this partnership are tax-deductible and support BWWA’s work through an established nonprofit structure. A 10% administrative fee is applied to contributions made through this channel.
3. Endowment & Legacy Giving (Thrivent Charitable)
The Hoperah Fund is supported through an endowment held at Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing®.
This provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute through long-term and tax-advantaged giving strategies, including:
donor-advised funds
planned giving
asset-based contributions (stocks, estates, and other assets)
This approach allows donors to support the work in a way that is structured, sustainable, and aligned with long-term impact.
As noted in Thrivent’s model, endowment funds are designed to grow over time while supporting mission-driven work in perpetuity.
Contact for Endowment Giving
Cindy Aegerter, CFRE | Senior Gift Planner
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing®
P: 1-800-365-4172 | D: 1-612-844-4190
Capital creates movement. Structured capital creates stability.
The Hoperah Fund exists to ensure that opportunity is not only visible—but accessible, sustained, and built to last.