Higher Heights for America

Background

Higher Heights for America is a national 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to harnessing the political power of Black women to influence elections, elect Black women, and advance progressive policies. Established in 2011 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the organization serves as a political home exclusively for Black women, focusing on increasing their representation and leadership from the voting booth to elected office.

Key Strategic Focus

The organization's core objectives include:

Investing in Leadership: Developing the next generation of Black women political leaders.

Voter Mobilization: Organizing and mobilizing Black women voters through initiatives like the #BlackWomenVote campaign.

Candidate Support: Creating an environment conducive for Black women to run, win, and lead by providing online training, research, and digital campaigns.

Higher Heights for America employs a combination of online and offline communications, research, and strategic convenings to elevate Black women's voices and shape the national political narrative.

Financials and Funding

As of the fiscal year ending December 2023, Higher Heights for America reported:

Revenue: $978,168

Expenses: $922,210

Net Assets: $217,719

The organization's revenue is primarily derived from contributions, accounting for 100% of total revenue. Notable expenses include executive compensation and other salaries and wages.

Additionally, the Higher Heights for America PAC, the organization's political action committee, raised $180,507 and spent $191,946 during the 2021-2022 election cycle, with 99.25% of contributions directed to Democratic candidates.

Leadership Team

The leadership team of Higher Heights for America includes:

Glynda Carr: President and CEO. As a co-founder, she has been instrumental in shaping the organization's vision and strategy.

Aprill O. Turner, APR: Executive Vice President of Communications & External Affairs. She leads the organization's communication strategies and external relations.

Shannon Arthur: Vice President of Institutional Development. She focuses on building and maintaining relationships with institutional partners.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The political advocacy landscape for Black women is characterized by a growing emphasis on increasing representation and leadership. Organizations in this space focus on voter mobilization, candidate support, and policy advocacy to address systemic barriers and promote equity.

Competitor Analysis

Key organizations operating in similar domains include:

Black Women's Roundtable: Focuses on empowering Black women through civic engagement, economic empowerment, and health initiatives.

She the People: A national network elevating the political voice of women of color through voter mobilization and candidate support.

EMILY's List: While not exclusively focused on Black women, it supports pro-choice Democratic women candidates, including women of color.

These organizations share a commitment to increasing women's political participation and leadership, with varying focuses on demographics and policy areas.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Higher Heights for America collaborates with various organizations to amplify its impact. Notable partnerships include:

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation: Collaborates on voter mobilization and civic engagement initiatives.

League of Women Voters: Partners on educational campaigns and voter outreach programs.

These collaborations enhance the organization's capacity to reach broader audiences and leverage shared resources for greater impact.

Operational Insights

Higher Heights for America's strategic considerations include:

Distinctive Focus: As the only national organization exclusively dedicated to Black women's political power, it occupies a unique position in the advocacy landscape.

Digital Engagement: Utilizing online platforms for training, communication, and mobilization allows for scalable and cost-effective outreach.

Data-Driven Strategies: Employing research and analytics to inform programs and measure impact ensures alignment with organizational goals.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Higher Heights for America aims to:

Expand Leadership Development: Increase training programs to prepare more Black women for political leadership roles.

Enhance Voter Engagement: Develop innovative campaigns to boost voter turnout among Black women.

Policy Advocacy: Strengthen efforts to influence policies that affect Black women and their communities.

By leveraging its unique position and focusing on these strategic areas, the organization seeks to further its mission of amplifying Black women's political power and leadership.