Resource Development

IBW seeks to establish an independent, sustainable economic base for its policy and development activities. In order to achieve this goal an active, continuous program of fiscal resource development is important. An essential element of this program is Edutainment Events. An annual tour “revue” will feature arts and culture of the Diaspora and Africa. The programs will be organized in conjunction with local host committees. Fundraising events will also accompany the State of the Black World Conferences and Institutes. Other cultural and social events will be organized to assist in the continuous task of generating revenue. An international Black arts and cultural festival is now being considered in 2004, the 200th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution.

The Diaspora Press is the publisher of the State of the Race, vols. 1 & 2 (2002). It has previously produced State of the Race monographs in 1994 and 1997. It will distribute this and other volumes, videotapes and other appropriate items domestically and internationally.

The IBW Speaker’s Bureau will provide a unique, diverse range of theoreticians, practitioners and cultural artists from the U.S., Africa and throughout the Diaspora making them available to community and institutional groups. Professionally managed, the speaker’s bureau will provide a percentage return to IBW.

A major Endowment Fund Campaign must be a high priority for IBW. Based upon the expected operating budget, a target should be established that will allow for the core operating budget to be covered from interest income from the endowment. Program funds will then have to be raised to cover any additional operating expenses incurred by new initiatives. This approach will insure operational stability of the institute. It will also insure the freedom of staff and researchers to develop alternative public policy positions without fear of reprisal from potential funders.