When Monica Manns first learned about SisterFund, a local Black philanthropic organization, she was a nonprofit professional seeking funding rather than providing it. The idea of being on the other side, especially in support of Black women, appealed to her. 

“I jumped at the opportunity to be on the other side,” Manns said. “Black people aren’t perceived as philanthropic, but we are. It’s families, churches, sororities and fraternities, The Links that we give money to. Those are significant dollars that aren’t recognized. We need to broaden the scope of our understanding of what philanthropy is.” 

SisterFund is celebrating a decade of fueling Black female-run organizations that, in turn, empower Black women and girls. As the current board chair, Manns is preparing the organization for growth and expansion. 

Manns moved to Richmond 20 years ago with her husband. She spent her childhood living between her mother in Roanoke and her father in Washington, D.C. To escape her disruptive home life, she turned to books and believes the constant reading led to her academic success and a near-perfect SAT score in reading and writing. 

“I didn’t connect reading to intelligence at the time,” she said. “I just loved it. I had no idea how much it would change my life.” 

Berea College, the first interracial and coeducational college in the South, marked the beginning of Manns’ transformation as a first-generation college student. While there, she began to understand the importance of education, earning a bachelor’s degree, and later earning two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. from other universities. She carved out a career in education, holding leadership positions, including Chief Equity, Diversity and Opportunity Officer in Henrico County Public Schools. 

Early in her career, Manns moved to Roanoke to care for her mother. While there, a custodian at the school where she worked set her up on a blind date. Her date, now her husband, told her he had noticed her dancing in go-go clubs in D.C. 

“I’ve always loved to dance,” Manns said. “Go-go music was a part of my life growing up in D.C. I love the freedom dancing gives me.” 

Manns and her husband adopted three Ethiopian children, one at 5 and another at 9. The third was much older and had been living in the U.S. All three children are grown. 

“I have always wanted to foster and adopt,” Manns said. “I chose to adopt Ethiopian children because my two best college friends were Ethiopian, so they could help us navigate the adoption and provide community for them.” 

As SisterFund marks its 10th anniversary, Manns hopes to scale funding for Black women-led nonprofits serving the needs of Black women and girls, meeting the growing demand for support at a time of decreasing federal government funding. 

Where were you born? 

Baltimore. 

Where do you live?

Henrico. 

What’s your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Berea College, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Kentucky, a master’s degree in special education from Virginia Tech and a doctorate in special education administration from William & Mary. 

Tell us about your family.

I’m married with three kids. 

What is SisterFund?

We are a collective giving circle, focusing on donor education and grant-making initiatives that unite civic-minded African American women’s ideas and actions through philanthropy and collective giving. We invest in community-based nonprofits that directly aid in building positive futures for Black women and girls through education, workforce development, leadership and health. 

What is SisterFund’s mission?

To improve the lives of Black women and girls by transforming local nonprofits that support their development through significant financial investments. 

Who created SisterFund?

A group of six or seven women in nonprofit leadership heard about the Ujima Legacy Fund, another local Black philanthropic organization. They wanted to fund organizations that would lead to the success of Black women and girls. 

How many members are in SisterFund?

We currently have 51 African American women. Our numbers change each year. Our goal for 2026 is to get to 100 members. 

What areas does SisterFund serve? 

All of RVA. 

What other programs do you offer?

We are starting to do grant training. We’ve found that small Black female-driven organizations don’t write good grants, so they don’t get the money. We want to teach them how to write grants and present them so they have a better chance to get the grants. We also have networking events for young girls to help them develop good communication skills. 

How can people get involved with SisterFund?

It’s $1,100 annually to become a voting member, but we accept all donations. Also, we offer monthly payments. 

Share some examples of how SisterFund makes a difference.

We gave a grant to a Black doula organization called Birth in Color because we understand that the maternal mortality rate of Black women is higher than white women. Philanthropic organizations outside our community may not understand the need for birth support. We’ve given them over $100,000 over two years. 

What is your vision for SisterFund?

Growing membership is a priority. The Community Foundation, our sponsor, has agreed to match $100,000 if we meet our fundraising goals by December. 

What are the biggest challenges facing SisterFund?

Funding is always a challenge because I can only give what I get. 

How is SisterFund funded?

Membership and matching funds. 

Who are some of your partners?

The Community Foundation is our sponsor. For our 10-year anniversary, some people and organizations are offering funding. 

Are there volunteer opportunities?

No, because we are a funding source. 

Do you have any upcoming events?

Our 10-year anniversary celebration, “Giving in Full Color: A Celebration of Legacy, Love and Liberation,” will be held on Dec. 11 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at The Hippodrome. 

How do you start the day? 

I start my day feeding and walking my two dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier (Maya Angelou) and a Scottish Terrier (J. Weldon Johnson). 

Who is your dream dinner party guest? 

Ida B. Wells. 

What is a quote that inspires you?

“You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap,” by Fannie Lou Hamer. 

What is a book that has influenced you?

“In My Father’s House,” by Ernest Gaines. 

What are you currently reading?

“Wild Rain: Women Who Dare,” by Beverly Jenkins. 

What’s next? 

I’m committed to strengthening my marketing and storytelling skills to expand both the SisterFund community and my consulting firm, Manns Consulting — two platforms rooted in elevating community voice, advancing equity and amplifying impact. I also look forward to exploring the beautiful countries of Africa.