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The John R. Oishei Foundation
726 Exchange Street, Suite 510
Buffalo, NY 14210 USA

P 716 856 9490 F 716 856 9493
info@oishei.org

  1. Oishei Leaders of Color Fellows
  2. Fellows Commitments

Fellows Commitments

To our Fellows community,

We have seen the weight you carry every day as leaders of color in the nonprofit sector—the responsibility, the expectations. And we know that recent events have only added to that weight. Even as you continue to lead, serve, and push for change, you are also processing, grieving, and navigating the realities of what it means to do this work in a world that too often resists justice. We see you. We honor your work. And we want you to know that you are not alone.

At Oishei, we remain steadfast in our commitment to racial equity—not just in the work we do, but in how we show up for you. That means continuing to listen, learn, and invest in solutions that address systemic disparities. We know that achieving true equity requires bold action, deep collaboration, and sustained support.

In response to recent threats to equity work and funding sources, we are connecting with other area funders, working to understand the needs of organizations in our community, and researching ways to provide meaningful support. We know that moving forward, philanthropy must be proactive, responsive, and accountable. We are committed to sharing information we gather with you and with the larger nonprofit community–for now, to help you stay informed about the implications of recent executive orders, we encourage you to explore the resources provided by the National Council of Nonprofits, which offers timely analysis and guidance for nonprofit organizations navigating these developments.

We know that change happens when we work together, and we will continue to use our platform, our resources, and our relationships to push for systemic progress.

Recognizing the toll this work can take we want to assure you that we will keep pushing for change alongside you. Whether through investments, convening, or advocating for policies that promote justice, our commitment is unwavering. And today, we also want to remind you: your well-being matters. Your rest matters. Your voice matters. And we are here for you—not just in the work, but in the journey.

With appreciation, 

The Oishei Foundation Team

View Oishei Leaders of Color Fellows Resources

The John R. Oishei Foundation
726 Exchange Street, Suite 510
Buffalo, NY 14210 USA

P 716 856 9490 F 716 856 9493
info@oishei.org

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