Earlier this year, after forty years of service to the Black community, the Board of Directors of the Twenty-First Century Foundation (21CF) – the leading foundation rooted in philanthropy that impacts Black communities – embarked on a comprehensive organizational strategic planning process. A key part of the planning process was the execution of a national search for a new Executive Director with whom the Board of Directors would work to examine 21CF's landscape for sustainability and opportunities to address the changing needs of grassroots organizations in African American communities, particularly in light of the challenging economic times.

In late September the search committee selected Nathaniel "Toby" Thompkins, an internationally respected leader in the for-profit, non-profit and international development sectors, who brings an extensive background working with leading progressive organizations on leadership, strategy and organizational design. The first assignment of Thompkins was to assess and envision the strategic direction of 21CF moving forward. Following a review of the recently completed strategic plan and market test report, as well as the results of various stakeholder surveys and conversations, Thompkins and the 21CF Board of Directors concluded to dissolve the organization.

"We could not have done as much or gone so far towards our goals without the critical encouragement and counsel of our individual, institutional and corporate supporters," noted Alfonso Wyatt, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Your belief and financial leadership made it possible for us to write a new chapter about the pooling of our resources, our leadership and our vision to make positive change for our communities and nation."

During this period, 21CF's leadership will address several critical efforts that will ensure the vision of our founder thrives. We will also reach out to our grantees, funders, colleagues and other key stakeholders to explain what this will mean for them moving forward. We welcome any inquires or questions. Please contact Toby Thompkins at email address Tthompkins@21cf.org or by phone at 646-747-2250.

Yours in the journey,

Rev. Alfonso Wyatt Chairman of the Board	Nathaniel "Toby" Thompkins Executive Director