OLBCF Issues Urgent Call for Community Support Amid Funding Challenges and Shifting Policy Climate

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF), Ohio’s only Black-led, nonpartisan statewide policy and research foundation, is calling on the community, corporate partners, and philanthropic institutions for immediate support to sustain its vital work on behalf of Black Ohioans.

Despite its nonpartisan mission and focus on public policy, OLBCF is being directly impacted by the nation’s changing funding climate, where diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are under attack and organizations serving Black communities face disproportionate financial strain.

“This is a red-line moment for OLBCF and for Ohio,” said Shayla L. Davis, President & CEO. “Even though we are not a DEI agency, the current climate is affecting us in deeply harmful ways. If OLBCF closes, Ohio loses its only statewide, Black-led policy institution working to ensure that systems and laws serve all communities fairly. When Black Ohioans win, Ohio wins.”

Since joining OLBCF as President and CEO in 2023, Davis has led a period of transformation—strengthening the organization’s infrastructure, deepening statewide partnerships, and elevating OLBCF’s role as a trusted policy voice in Ohio. The organization has:

• Operationalized a strategic plan expanding its work statewide beyond the “3Cs” (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati).

• Relaunched its website, branding, and communications to reflect a modern, data-driven identity.

• Secured the first foundation grants in its history.

• Launched the State of Black Ohio initiative, producing briefs, testimony, and policy memos that influence real change.

• Convened policy roundtables and initiated the first statewide Policy-Thon to drive community-led legislative ideas.

• Re-established the Ohio Leadership Reception at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference to elevate Ohio’s Black leadership.

  
  

Despite this progress, OLBCF has been deeply affected by national funding contractions, the loss of key corporate partnerships, and a decline in grant opportunities tied to federal policy shifts. These challenges mirror a broader crisis confronting Black-led organizations across the country, where institutions that advocate for equity and policy reform are struggling to remain operational.

“We are at a crossroads,” said Davis. “With unemployment rising among Black women and access to essential benefits like food assistance at risk, our voice in the policy space is needed now more than ever. The systems we work to improve directly impact lives every day.”

Community members, businesses, and philanthropic leaders can support OLBCF by:

• Committing to a monthly donation amount $100 or more on our website here.

• Sharing our story on social media to help raise awareness and inspire others to take action.

• Offering general operating or sponsorship support to sustain programming and advocacy.

• Joining or renewing institutional partnerships through OLBCF’s Policy Roundtable.

• Connecting OLBCF to funders and civic leaders who understand the importance of preserving a strong Black-led policy presence in Ohio.

  
  

“OLBCF was built to ensure that policy is shaped with Black communities, not simply about them,” Davis added. “This work must continue, for the sake of equity, accountability, and a better Ohio for all.”

To learn more or offer support, contact president@olbcfoundation.org.