IDEA Fellow Spotlight
The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Fellowship (IDEA) is a year-long program for fundraisers from underrepresented communities, including fundraisers of color (African-American, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian), LGBTQ and/or gender nonconforming fundraisers, Indigenous, other underrepresented communities, and emerging fundraisers who work at smaller, under-resourced nonprofits. The program is intended to recruit, retain, and educate diverse nonprofit fundraisers with the intent to increase the number of diverse fundraising/nonprofit professionals in the Bay Area.
Andre Humphrey
Founder & Executive Director, Inner City Bliss
AFP Golden Gate Chapter
By Andrew Allanson
How did you first get involved in the nonprofit sector? What inspired you to do this work?
My journey into the nonprofit sector is rooted in my passion for mental health and my commitment to supporting Black and Brown communities. Growing up, I saw the systemic challenges and lack of resources that affected these communities, and it inspired me to create spaces where people could access tools, care, and opportunities for healing.
My journey into the nonprofit sector is rooted in my passion for mental health and my commitment to supporting Black and Brown communities. Growing up, I saw the systemic challenges and lack of resources that affected these communities, and it inspired me to create spaces where people could access tools, care, and opportunities for healing.
Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities.
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Inner City Bliss, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing wellness tools to Black and Brown communities. I oversee programs, fundraising, and strategic direction, with a focus on creating sustainable support and expanding our impact.
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Inner City Bliss, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing wellness tools to Black and Brown communities. I oversee programs, fundraising, and strategic direction, with a focus on creating sustainable support and expanding our impact.
What are some highlights in your current role and in your career? What has been the biggest challenge?
A proud highlight has been founding Inner City Bliss and reaching more than 5,000 people through our programs. As we near our eight-year anniversary, I am grateful for the growth of our organization. A challenge has been learning how to fundraise effectively, but it has also become one of my greatest areas of growth.
A proud highlight has been founding Inner City Bliss and reaching more than 5,000 people through our programs. As we near our eight-year anniversary, I am grateful for the growth of our organization. A challenge has been learning how to fundraise effectively, but it has also become one of my greatest areas of growth.
What professional knowledge would you impart to other nonprofit fundraisers?
Fundraising is not only about raising money but also about building trust and relationships. My advice is to focus on your mission, prepare well, and lean on mentors who can help guide you.
Fundraising is not only about raising money but also about building trust and relationships. My advice is to focus on your mission, prepare well, and lean on mentors who can help guide you.
How did you get involved with AFP?
I first connected with AFP at Philanthropy Day, encouraged by Kenneth Kuchman of the Witkin Foundation. Later, I reached out to Kelley Coe for guidance, and she encouraged me to apply for the IDEA Fellowship.
I first connected with AFP at Philanthropy Day, encouraged by Kenneth Kuchman of the Witkin Foundation. Later, I reached out to Kelley Coe for guidance, and she encouraged me to apply for the IDEA Fellowship.
What advice would you give to others who are considering applying for the IDEA Fellowship?
Go for it. The Fellowship is an opportunity to grow your skills, gain mentorship, and connect with others who share your passion for making an impact.
Go for it. The Fellowship is an opportunity to grow your skills, gain mentorship, and connect with others who share your passion for making an impact.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Meditation, time in nature, and playing instruments help me stay balanced. These practices keep me grounded and inspired so I can give my best to both work and life.
Meditation, time in nature, and playing instruments help me stay balanced. These practices keep me grounded and inspired so I can give my best to both work and life.
What are some activities you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy mindfulness, spending time outdoors, and playing music. These activities are joyful and important for my own wellness.
I enjoy mindfulness, spending time outdoors, and playing music. These activities are joyful and important for my own wellness.
What career goals do you still want to pursue or accomplish?
I hope to expand Inner City Bliss to reach more communities and raise the resources to be recognized at AFP’s National Philanthropy Day. I also want to continue deepening my wellness practices and inspire others to live mindfully.
I hope to expand Inner City Bliss to reach more communities and raise the resources to be recognized at AFP’s National Philanthropy Day. I also want to continue deepening my wellness practices and inspire others to live mindfully.