Foundation participates in GIFE immersion on anti-racist philanthropy and reinforces commitment to racial equity

On April 16 and 17, the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation (FNO) took part in an immersion promoted by GIFE in Salvador, dedicated to strengthening the anti-racist philanthropy agenda among senior leaders in private social investment.

The meeting, led by Mahin Anti-Racist Consultancy, brought together 14 representatives from associated organizations in a space for learning, exchange, and deeper reflection on institutional responsibility in addressing structural racism.

The first day focused on awareness-building, with an immersive experience at the Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos, located in Pelourinho. Founded in 1832, the institution is recognized as the first Black civil organization in continuous operation in Brazil, having historically worked to defend the freedom of enslaved people and, today, to strengthen the social and economic autonomy of the Black population.

Participants also attended a presentation by Instituto Rumpilezz, which led a practical experience based on its Afro-centered teaching methodology, focused on musicality, percussion, and the appreciation of ancestral knowledge.

The second day featured a deeper immersion into strategic discussions, with exchanges among participants about their institutional agendas, challenges, and possible paths toward advancing racial equity within the field of private social investment. The space also enabled reflection on how to transform commitments into structuring practices within organizations.

“It was an important moment to broaden our perspective on other ways of generating social impact and practicing philanthropy beyond the South-Southeast axis. These are the spaces where references, pathways, and solutions emerge that dialogue with different realities across the country. Above all, the key takeaway was the importance of intentionality: planning actions with a clear purpose and consciously committing to reaching and benefiting the Black population,” says Jonas Nogueira, responsible for the PDCIS Baixo Sul program at FNO.