National Council of Negro Women

What National Council of Negro Women does

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit civil rights and advocacy organization founded on December 5, 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and headquartered at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. It operates as an "organization of organizations," reaching nearly 3 million women and men through 350+ campus and community-based sections and 37 affiliated national women's organizations. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities, organized around four programmatic pillars: Health Equity, Education, Economic Empowerment, and Social Justice. Current leadership comprises President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley and National Board Chair Dr. A. Lois Keith.

NCNW's programmatic surface spans direct service programs, policy advocacy, and signature events. Core offerings include the Power of 20 monthly giving campaign ($20/month recurring donations), the biennial Uncommon Height Honors Gala (Toyota presenting sponsor, 19th edition targeting $2 million in December 2025), an online merchandise marketplace with 16+ affiliated vendors, and policy briefs on issues including Black maternal health, broadband access, and AI discrimination. The organization does not operate proprietary technology platforms; its infrastructure is standard digital tooling (website, DonorPerfect donation processing, social channels including Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and virtual event capabilities).

Revenue derives from four streams: individual donations and the Power of 20 sustainer program, special event proceeds (primarily the biennial gala), corporate sponsorships (Verizon, Wells Fargo, Meta, Google, Amazon, Delta, Colgate, AT&T, Sanofi, Coca-Cola, Toyota, and others), and merchandise sales through partner vendors. Distribution occurs through the 350+ community sections, online channels, coalition partnerships (including the Legacy Eight Civil Rights Organizations and the National Action Network), and international engagements such as the March 2025 CSW69 climate leadership event with the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network.

Name

National Council of Negro Women

Legal name

National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

Website

https://ncnw.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1935

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NCNW is a 501(c)(3) civil rights nonprofit founded in 1935 that operates as an "organization of organizations," reaching nearly 3 million constituents through 350+ sections and 37 affiliated national women's organizations to advance health equity, education, economic empowerment, and social justice for women of African descent.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Civil Rights Advocacy and Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Professional Organizations (813920), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Emergency Shelter, Camp Management & Non-Food Items (NFI) (BPAGAAAC)

Keywords

• Civil rights advocacy
• Women's empowerment programs
• Community organizing services
• Social justice initiatives
• Nonprofit membership programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NCNW relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The organization runs a Power of 20 monthly giving campaign ($20/month) and general donation appeals to support core operations and programs.
2. Special Events and Galas: NCNW generates revenue through signature events including the biennial Uncommon Height Honors Gala. The 19th edition set a fundraising goal of $2 million, with proceeds supporting health, education, economic justice, and social justice programs.
3. Merchandise Sales: NCNW operates an online shop selling branded merchandise including apparel (jackets, dresses, cardigans), accessories, and Greek paraphernalia through affiliated vendors. The shop features 16+ vendor relationships including NCNW Shops, 8 Count Apparel, Black Opulence, and others.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: NCNW receives financial and promotional support from corporate sponsors including Verizon, Colgate, Comcast, Delta, Wells Fargo, Meta, Amazon, Google, Sanofi, Coca-Cola, AT&T, and Toyota Motor Company of North America (presenting sponsor for gala events).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers advocacy, direct-service programs, and community organizing across four pillars — Health Equity, Education, Economic Empowerment, and Social Justice — for women of African descent, their families, and communities. It operates as an "organization of organizations" connecting nearly 3 million people through 350+ campus and community-based sections and 37 affiliated national women's organizations. NCNW also generates revenue through a monthly giving program (Power of 20), a biennial signature gala, and an online merchandise shop.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Uncommon Height Honors Gala: NCNW's signature biennial fundraising event celebrating leaders who have made significant contributions to the community, named in honor of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.
• Power of 20 Giving Campaign

Products and services

• NCNW Membership A membership program through which individuals and affiliate organizations join NCNW's network of nearly 3 million women and men dedicated to direct service and direct action across the Core Four pillars of Health Equity, Education, Economic Empowerment, and Social Justice.
• Power of 20 Giving Campaign A monthly recurring donation program at $20 per month (approximately 64 cents per day) supporting the Core Four pillars of Health Equity, Education, Economic Empowerment, and Social Justice.
• Uncommon Height Honors Gala NCNW's signature biennial black-tie fundraising event celebrating leaders who have demonstrated commitment to the mission, with tiered ticket pricing, corporate sponsorships, and VIP experiences. The 19th edition features five honoree categories including Uncommon Journalist, Uncommon Changemaker, Uncommon Athlete, Alexis M. Herman Achievement in Public and Community Service Award, and Charles L. Franklin Associate Award.
• NCNW Shop Online marketplace featuring 16+ affiliated vendor relationships including NCNW Shops, 8 Count Apparel, and Black Opulence, selling customized apparel, Greek organization merchandise, jewelry, accessories, and NCNW-branded merchandise.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 3 million women and men connected through the organization
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and flagship.

• NAACPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2025NCNW joined NAACP and National Urban League in coalition opposing Executive Order 14179 that would block state AI regulation. Coalition of civil rights organizations advocating for federal protections against discriminatory AI.
• National Urban LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2025Coalition partner with NCNW in opposing state-level AI regulation restrictions. Part of broader civil rights coalition advocating for algorithmic accountability.
• Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under LawcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2025Coalition partner in joint statement opposing Executive Order on AI. Provides legal expertise and advocacy in civil rights coalition.
• National Action Network (NAN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 August 2025NCNW partnered with Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network for the March on Wall Street to protest attacks on DEI and highlight Black Americans' economic power. NCNW President Shavon Arline-Bradley spoke at the event along with other civil rights leaders.
• African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2025NCNW co-sponsored ARDN's High-Level Event on Women's Leadership in Climate Action at CSW69 in New York. Featured UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and global dignitaries discussing women's climate leadership.
• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2024Partnership between NCNW Good Health WINs and NFID to raise awareness about COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease in Black communities. Includes video content featuring Black community leaders, animated educational materials in English and Spanish, and event participation during National Influenza Vaccination Week.
• Freedom to Learn CampaignmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2023NCNW joined other legacy civil rights organizations in endorsing the Freedom to Learn Campaign created to fight disinformation and censorship of Black history, critical race theory, and equitable education policies.
• Toyota Motor Company of North AmericaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for the 19th Biennial Uncommon Height Honors Gala. Toyota has demonstrated commitment to NCNW's mission through multi-year sponsorship of the organization's signature fundraising event.
• VerizonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting NCNW programs and events. Listed among key sponsors on the organization's website alongside other major brands.
• Wells FargomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting NCNW initiatives. One of multiple financial services companies backing the organization's work.
• Delta Air LinesmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor listed among NCNW supporters. Contributes to organization's fundraising and visibility.
• Meta (Facebook)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing financial and promotional support for NCNW programs.
• GooglemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting NCNW initiatives.
• AmazonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of NCNW programs and events.
• Legacy Eight Civil Rights OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNCNW is one of eight legacy civil rights organizations including NAACP, National Urban League, Legal Defense Fund, National Action Network, and others that coordinate on major policy issues including federal government shutdown response and immigration policy.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NAACP: NAACP is the largest U.S. civil rights organization and a direct peer as a Legacy Eight co-member. NCNW and NAACP frequently co-coordinate on federal policy, voting rights, and economic justice initiatives for Black Americans.
• National Urban League: National Urban League is a Legacy Eight civil rights peer focused on economic empowerment, health equity, and education for African Americans. It operates affiliate-based local leagues structurally similar to NCNW's 350+ sections.
• National Action Network: Founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, NAN is a peer civil rights organization co-coalition partner with NCNW on events like the March on Wall Street. Both organizations engage in direct action, advocacy campaigns, and coalition mobilization.
• NAACP Legal Defense Fund: LDF is the legal arm of the civil rights movement and a Legacy Eight peer. While LDF focuses on litigation rather than membership programs, it coordinates with NCNW on federal policy and AI accountability advocacy.
• Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: A Legacy Eight coalition partner with NCNW, providing legal expertise on voting rights, AI discrimination, and civil rights enforcement. Highly comparable as a peer advocacy organization engaged in the same federal policy fights.

Broad incumbents

• National Organization for Women (NOW): NOW is a broader women's rights advocacy organization operating across all demographics with chapter-based structure comparable to NCNW's sections. Both organizations converge on pay equity, reproductive rights, and representation but NOW lacks NCNW's African-descent focus.

Emerging players

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: One of NCNW's 37 affiliated national women's organizations, Delta Sigma Theta is a major Black women's service organization. It is comparable as a peer constituent organization within the NCNW federation with overlapping programmatic focus on education, health, and economic development.
• Black Women's Health Imperative: BWHI is a national health advocacy organization specifically focused on Black women's health equity, directly overlapping with NCNW's Health Equity pillar and Good Health WINs programming.
• National Partnership for Women & Families: A policy and advocacy organization focused on women, families, and economic justice, with overlapping interests in paid leave, pay equity, and healthcare access. Comparable as a peer women's advocacy nonprofit with federal policy orientation.
• National Urban Fellows: A leadership development and public service organization for mid-career professionals of color. Comparable to NCNW's Education pillar and economic empowerment programming in building intergenerational Black leadership.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ncnw
• Facebookfacebook.com/NCNW633
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ncnw
• Xx.com/NCNWHQ

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about National Council of Negro Women