Introduction
Building Movement Project (BMP) is a United States-based nonprofit initiative that strengthens the capacity of nonprofit organizations to create lasting social change. Through research, training, practical tools, and collaborative learning, BMP helps nonprofit leaders align their organizational practices with equity, justice, and community-centered values.
Although Building Movement Project conducts research and develops evidence-based resources, it is not a Danish foundation, not an enterprise foundation, and does not provide basic research funding or research grants in the traditional philanthropic sense. Instead, it focuses on nonprofit leadership, organizational transformation, movement building, and social justice initiatives.
Keywords: Building Movement Project, nonprofit leadership, social justice, movement building, organizational change, philanthropic activities, research, nonprofit sector, equity, governance.
History and Background
Building Movement Project was established in the early 2000s to strengthen the role of nonprofit organizations in advancing democracy and progressive social change. Over the years, it has become a respected source of research and practical guidance for nonprofit organizations seeking to improve leadership, organizational culture, and community impact.
Today, BMP is fiscally sponsored by Third Sector New England (TSNE), enabling it to focus on research, capacity building, and movement development while operating within TSNE’s nonprofit infrastructure.
The organization has produced influential studies on nonprofit leadership, race equity, organizational effectiveness, and movement building that are widely used by nonprofit practitioners, foundations, and policymakers.
Mission and Purpose
Mission
Building Movement Project’s mission is to strengthen nonprofit organizations so they can contribute more effectively to building movements for social justice and systemic change.
Core Objectives
The organization works to:
- Strengthen nonprofit leadership.
- Promote racial equity and inclusion.
- Support organizational transformation.
- Develop practical research and tools for nonprofits.
- Build stronger social justice movements.
- Encourage collaboration across organizations and communities.
- Improve nonprofit governance and workplace culture.
Rather than funding external research projects, BMP produces applied research that nonprofit organizations can use to improve their effectiveness.
Governance and Structure
Building Movement Project operates as a nonprofit initiative under the fiscal sponsorship of Third Sector New England (TSNE). This structure provides financial and administrative support while allowing BMP to pursue its independent mission.
Leadership
BMP is led by a team of experienced researchers, nonprofit practitioners, and organizational development experts who guide its strategic priorities, research agenda, and educational initiatives.
Partnerships
The organization collaborates with:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Philanthropic foundations
- Community leaders
- Advocacy organizations
- Academic institutions
- Equity-focused networks
These partnerships help expand the reach and practical application of BMP’s research and resources.
Funding and Grants
Funding Sources
Building Movement Project supports its operations through:
- Foundation grants
- Philanthropic activities
- Consulting services
- Strategic partnerships
- Research collaborations
- Donations supporting nonprofit capacity building
Unlike traditional grantmaking foundations, BMP does not primarily operate as a funder that awards competitive research grants or basic research funding. Instead, resources are invested in conducting research, developing educational tools, publishing reports, and supporting nonprofit organizations through technical assistance.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Race to Lead
One of BMP’s best-known initiatives, Race to Lead, examines racial diversity and leadership within the nonprofit sector. The research explores barriers faced by leaders of color and provides recommendations for creating more equitable leadership opportunities.
Building Blocks for Change
Building Blocks for Change provides assessment tools that help nonprofit organizations evaluate workplace culture, leadership practices, and racial equity while supporting continuous organizational improvement.
Leadership Development
BMP develops research, workshops, and practical resources that strengthen nonprofit leadership and organizational effectiveness.
Organizational Change
The organization helps nonprofits align internal operations with social justice values through strategic planning, equity frameworks, and organizational assessments.
Movement Building
Building Movement Project promotes collaboration among nonprofit organizations to strengthen collective advocacy and long-term social change efforts.
Impact and Examples of Work
Building Movement Project has significantly influenced nonprofit management and leadership across the United States through widely cited research and practical guidance.
Examples of its impact include:
Race Equity Research
Its Race to Lead reports have informed discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion within nonprofit leadership and philanthropy.
Organizational Assessment Tools
BMP has developed practical frameworks that help nonprofit organizations improve governance, workplace culture, and leadership practices.
Leadership Development
Its publications and training programs have supported nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders in strengthening organizational performance.
Movement Building
BMP encourages collaboration across nonprofit organizations, helping build stronger coalitions that can address systemic social challenges more effectively.
Collectively, these initiatives have contributed to a more equitable and effective nonprofit sector.
Conclusion
Building Movement Project has become an influential resource for nonprofit organizations seeking to improve leadership, organizational effectiveness, and movement-building capacity. Through research, practical tools, and educational initiatives, it supports organizations working toward equity and systemic social change.
Although it is not a Danish foundation, not an enterprise foundation, and not a traditional provider of basic research funding or research grants, Building Movement Project plays an important role in strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem through applied research, leadership development, and organizational capacity building.
For nonprofit professionals, researchers, students, and philanthropic organizations, Building Movement Project offers valuable evidence-based resources that help organizations create stronger, more equitable, and more sustainable social change initiatives.
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