BlackNHV Fund
"I want those who have had success in the city, to support the fund to help those who just need a little bit more help": BlackNHV Fund est. 2017 by Ratasha Smith.
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| Ratasha Smith created her donor advised fund as a way to give back to the community she calls home and loves, in perpetuity. |
US Representative Shirley Chisolm once said "if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Ratasha Smith adopted her idol's saying as her own, making one change: instead of bringing a chair, Ratasha advocates "building your own table." In October 2017, she created the BlackNHV Fund to support those in the nonprofit sector who have done just that.
The BlackNHV Fund, a donor advised fund, is intended to support black-led nonprofits in Greater New Haven. Ratasha hopes the BlackNHV Fund will bridge the socioeconomic gap within Greater New Haven's black community that at first glance may go unnoticed.
"So many of us get to where we are going then forget where we came from. I refuse to forget because I know that where I came from has much to do with where I am today. There were so many who took time out of their busy schedules to help and guide me throughout my life and I want to do that for others. I want those who have had success in the city, to support the fund to help those who just need a little bit more help, while supporting those who choose to lead the charge."
