Calif. Charity to Handle Finances for Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter movement has teamed with a San Francisco charity that supports social and economic projects abroad to manage the loose-knit antiracism network’s financial affairs, reports the Associated Press. The International Development Exchange, or IDEX, has been receiving grants and donations on behalf of Black Lives Matter since November, and the informal relationship recently evolved into a contractual partnership.

IDEX has backed hundreds of programs to benefit needy communities in Africa, Asia, and South America. Its executive director, Rajasvini Bhansali, has long known Black Lives Matter co-founders Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors through their Bay Area activism. Ms. Bhansali said Black Lives Matter has a strong interest in learning from similar movements in other countries, making IDEX a natural partner.

The financial pact signifies the growth and expanding ambition of Black Lives Matter, which coalesced two years ago to protest police shootings of unarmed African-Americans and is best known for online and street-level activism, AP writes. In lieu of an administrative fee for IDEX’s services, Black Lives Matter will donate to IDEX partner organizations in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Ms. Bhansali said.

Read a Chronicle of Philanthropy article on how Black Lives Matter is seeking support from grant makers.