Grand Victoria Foundation was recognized at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy’s (NCRP) 2025 Impact Awards in Minneapolis with the Changing Course and Incorporating Feedback Award. This national recognition celebrates GVF’s bold and ongoing transformation toward racial justice—a shift rooted in deep listening, community guidance, and shared accountability.

The award ceremony took place during the Unity Summit, where our President, Sharon Bush, accepted the honor on behalf of our board, staff, and community partners. Her remarks reflected both gratitude and conviction, connecting GVF’s evolution in Illinois to a broader story of Black resilience, truth-telling, and global justice.

“We feel seen and heard,” Sharon began. “I want to thank our board and community partners, and our amazing staff, who have been in the trenches during our racial justice transformation.”

She went on to describe her recent visits to Montgomery, Selma, and Ghana—places whose histories echo in GVF’s mission and illuminate the global ties between justice, equity, and liberation.

“Touring the Equal Justice Initiative sites and walking the historic streets of Selma, you are confronted with the brutality of racial caste that is in full force today. On the beautiful ocean shores of Ghana, you walk the floors of slave dungeons caked with the DNA of ancestors as you learn how the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade transformed the world.”

In her speech, Sharon shared how these experiences affirmed GVF’s transformation:

“Our place is Illinois. For 25 years, we invested in improving education systems, protecting land and water, and building stronger local economies. In 2018 we posed two questions that set off years of listening, restructuring, and recentering: How do we know that our grantees’ policy advocacy benefits those intended? And how might we shift our philanthropy to ensure that those most affected by issues are centered in systems change?”

She continued:

“What followed was a transformation. We are Black-led and Black-centered. We build Black power. We aim to repair and redress harm in our practice. We seek and share truthful narratives about the power and influence of Black people on the health and wealth of our state. We leverage those narratives to organize our colleagues to do more of the same. Because we listened deeply, we do this with bold conviction and declare that this work is everybody’s work.”

Reflecting on the social and political climate of today, Sharon acknowledged the challenges ahead while affirming GVF’s steadfast commitment:

“Amidst this chaos our partners tell us to remain convicted and keep our eyes on the long-game so that they can do the same. They are the new freedom fighters… When you understand the history of Black organizing and movements, it becomes easier to find innovative ways, big and small, to sustainably support building Black power. I promise it is good for us all.”

Her words were met with a standing ovation—a testament to the power of listening, courage, and transformation in philanthropy.

We’re deeply honored by this recognition and remain committed to walking this path alongside our partners and communities across Illinois.