Dr. Brandon Frame, Founder of Black Man Can, on How To Build Community In The Non-Profit Sector

“If you ask for money, you get advice, and if you ask for advice you get money.” This is how Dr. Brandon Frame, started a conversation on the Very Necessary Decisions podcast with host Jerlisa “Juju” Fontaine. Dr. Brandon Frame, a passionate educator, social entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of The Black Man Can, shared insights about his journey and mission. His story is an inspiring example of dedication to social change and the pursuit of empowerment for Black men and boys. This conversation reveals Dr. Frame’s commitment to creating lasting impact through education, wellness, and advocacy while providing valuable advice for those seeking to make a difference through nonprofit and social entrepreneurship.

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The Social Impact of Black Men Can

Dr. Frame's journey is rooted in a desire to make an impact that reaches beyond immediate challenges to influence future generations. Growing up, he was on the corporate path, but eventually shifted to education and youth development. Rejecting high-paying corporate roles, he took a teaching position at a boarding school. This decision reflects his core philosophy: “Chase the vision, not the money, and the money will end up chasing you.” This shift set the stage for a life dedicated to youth empowerment and social change.

In 2010, Dr. Frame started The Black Man Can as a blog, which has since evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit organization. The Black Man Can aims to empower Black men and boys by amplifying positive narratives and providing educational programs. The organization is committed to reshaping perceptions and supporting the next generation of Black leaders through social media, education, and community programs. The organization's growth over the past 14 years, reflects the patience and resilience it takes to grow on social media. The Black Man Can’s Instagram page now boasts over 1.1 million followers and has become a huge community. Yet, he notes that while social media helps raise awareness, much of the organization's real work is behind the scenes, through partnerships, educational initiatives, and juvenile justice programs. 

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How to Secure Funding as a Non-profit

Dr. Frame's success with The Black Man Can isn’t solely due to social media popularity; it results from thoughtful decisions, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector. He explains that nonprofit funding is not limited to donations and grants but can include state and federal resources, foundation support, and corporate sponsorships. Through programs that address pressing needs, such as support for incarcerated youth and school-based social-emotional learning, The Black Man Can receive funding to foster real impact in underserved communities.

Dr. Frame advises that building relationships is essential for securing funding. He recommends seeking out foundations, attending conferences, and connecting with grant managers on platforms like LinkedIn. Furthermore, having clear data to demonstrate a program’s impact is crucial, as funders are more inclined to invest when they see tangible results.

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‍Expanding the Vision: Partnering with Corporations for Broader Impact

One way The Black Man Can extend its reach is through partnerships with major brands. Recently, the organization collaborated with Walmart for a Father’s Day campaign, the “League of Black and Unlimited Dads.” Campaigns like this provide opportunities for companies to support positive narratives while also expanding the reach of The Black Man Can's mission.

In working with corporate partners, Dr. Frame’s approach is rooted in shared goals and mutual benefits. By presenting a campaign that aligns with a brand’s key performance indicators (KPIs), The Black Man Can offers companies the chance to build trust with the Black community and support social impact in a meaningful way. Dr. Frame’s advice for nonprofits seeking corporate partnerships is to be adaptable and to provide a comprehensive plan that demonstrates how a partnership will benefit the brand as well as the community.

Lessons for Aspiring Nonprofit Founders

The Black Man Can’s evolution from blog to nonprofit highlights the flexibility that nonprofit founders need to build sustainable organizations. Black Man Can started as a blog and then transitioned into an LLC in 2013. Following their Better Brother Summit event, they transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Dr. Frame realized the benefits of accepting tax-deductible donations and allowing donors to write their donations to his organization as a tax write-off. He emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from accountants and legal professionals to ensure proper management of financial and operational responsibilities, particularly as organizations grow. Trademarking and intellectual property protection are also crucial aspects of Dr. Frame’s strategy. By trademarking The Black Man Can, he ensures that the brand’s identity is safeguarded, allowing him to focus on expanding its impact without concerns about brand dilution. For those starting nonprofits, he suggests being clear about the organization’s purpose and audience. In his case, the focus on Black men and boys has attracted a wider support base, including individuals and organizations who care deeply about the well-being of this community.

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The Evolving State of Black Male Wellness

Dr. Frame also reflects on the challenges Black men face today. While there has been progress—more men are attending therapy, becoming actively engaged fathers, and focusing on wellness—the need for systemic support remains. He points out that Black male wellness is ever-evolving, with younger generations increasingly striving to break generational cycles and redefine what it means to be a healthy, successful Black man. However, there is still much work to be done, particularly in building spaces where Black men feel empowered to pursue holistic wellness. The Black Man Can’s work highlights the importance of providing positive representation and community support for Black men. Dr. Frame notes that stereotypes and negative narratives often overshadow the many Black men who are making positive contributions to society. He aims to counter this by using his platform to share stories of resilience, growth, and success.

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The Future of Black Man Can

As he looks to the future, Dr. Frame envisions The Black Man Can as a heritage brand in the social impact space—an organization that will be remembered alongside influential institutions like the NAACP and the Urban League. He is committed to creating an enduring legacy by expanding The Black Man Can’s programming, storytelling, and community partnerships.

In advising young people, especially those in their twenties, Dr. Frame offers timeless advice: Don’t let social media rush you. You can pray and see a therapist at the same time. His insights underscore the importance of patience, personal wellness, and spirituality, reminding us that lasting success is built on a foundation of purpose and self-care.

Dr. Brandon Frame’s journey with The Black Man Can is a powerful reminder that social change begins with a clear vision and a dedication to the community. By focusing on education, wellness, and representation, he has built an organization that not only uplifts Black men and boys but also creates pathways for others to contribute to this important cause. His insights on building and funding a nonprofit, developing strategic partnerships, and maintaining clarity of purpose provide invaluable guidance for anyone seeking to make a difference. The Black Man Can is not just a brand; it’s a movement aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering generations to come.

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Check out Dr. Brandon Frame and his work here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonframe/

Business Website: https://theblackmancan.org/

Business Instagram: @TheBlackManCan

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