Imagine Black: Building an App to Engage Community

Overview 

Imagine Black developed an innovative digital fundraising strategy to generate independent revenue while advancing their mission. By pivoting from a traditional major donor program to a technology-centered approach built around their Black Possibilities app, Imagine Black established multiple revenue streams while strengthening their movement-building capacity. The project created pathways for deeper community engagement while maintaining alignment with their core values.

Key Strategies & Tactics

Imagine Black's digital fundraising initiative consisted of several integrated components designed to diversify revenue while engaging different segments of their supporter base:

• Black Possibilities App: Creating a digital community platform with distinct spaces for Black members (Kinfolk) and non-Black supporters (Accomplices)
• Tiered Membership Model: Developing structured pathways for different supporter types including Kinfolk (Black members), Accomplices (non-Black supporters), and Sustainers (recurring donors)
• In-App Monetization: Implementing revenue-generating features including tip jars, fee-based workshops, and educational content
• Multi-Channel Outreach: Utilizing diverse communication methods including direct-to-voicemail with text follow-up, phone banking, email campaigns, and social media promotion

Lessons Learned

• Value Alignment is Essential
  Fundraising strategies must honor organizational values and mission
• Leverage Creativity
  Using creative approaches like branded merchandise can move beyond traditional donor campaigns
• Invest in Dedicated Capacity
  Revenue generation requires focused staff time and cannot be effectively managed as a side project
• Create Multiple Engagement Pathways
  Offering various ways to support creates more entry points for community members
• Balance Grant and Donor Funding
  Expanding the donor base reduces reliance on grants and increases sustainability
• Seek Relevant Expertise
  Consultants should have experience with similar organizations and movement-building work

The Multiplier Effect

Impact

Imagine Black created a digital space that honors the need for separate affinity spaces while fostering community connections. Their approach to fundraising centered Black Oregonians while creating meaningful pathways for allies to contribute financially and educationally. For non-Black supporters, Imagine Black developed a year-long virtual book club as a prerequisite for "Accomplice" status, ensuring that financial contributions were paired with education and genuine commitment to the cause.

The organization successfully linked community building with financial sustainability, demonstrating how social justice organizations can develop revenue streams that align with and enhance their core mission. Their branded merchandise featuring messages like "Black Oregonians deserve better" served as powerful symbols of support while generating income.

Despite facing implementation challenges and staff transitions, Imagine Black's innovative approach has positioned them for greater financial independence. This increased sustainability provides more flexibility to pursue their mission while reducing dependency on traditional grant funding. The organization is now developing new initiatives, including plans for the country's first legal psilocybin micro-dosing center, building on the foundation of community engagement and financial resilience established through this project.