Because of the Trust: Portia Fullard on Legacy, Investment, and the Future

For the first episode of Because of the Trust, we sat down with Portia Fullard, Executive Director of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust, to reflect on the organization’s legacy, impact, and vision for the future.

Founded in 1966 through the vision of Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan and seeded by members of Zion Baptist Church, the Trust was created with a bold mission: to invest directly into Black communities through economic empowerment, education, and opportunity.

Today, that work continues through grants, scholarships, and community investment programs supporting small businesses, nonprofits, and students across Philadelphia.

“What has always been important to the Trust is investing in Black communities.” — Portia Fullard

As Executive Director, Portia sees the Trust as more than a funding organization. She describes it as a vehicle for long-term impact, one rooted in self-help, social responsibility, and economic empowerment.

“One of the things that we as members of the Black community don’t always have access to is clear capital investments. It is such an honor to steward an organization that is positioned to do just that.”

Under her leadership, the Trust continues to expand its impact through several core programs designed to invest directly into Philadelphia communities.

• The Moving Mountains Grant supports small businesses through a biannual grant program that awards 20 small businesses annually with $10,000 grants, alongside access to technical assistance and business development programming.
• The Pathways to Impact Grant provides 20 nonprofit organizations annually with $10,000 grants to support community-centered programming, growth, and long-term sustainability.
• Through the Step-Up Scholarship Program, the Trust awards scholarships to students pursuing higher education while also connecting them with additional academic and professional development resources.

Beyond funding, recipients gain access to workshops and professional guidance designed to help them sustain and scale their work. Recent sessions have included workshops on grant readiness, securing funding, and marketing strategy, led by experts from organizations like the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Upcoming programming will continue to focus on areas such as business development, storytelling, financial sustainability, and maximizing grant dollars for long-term impact.

For Portia, the phrase Because of the Trust represents something deeply personal and tangible.

“It means a small business is able to sustain and grow. It means a nonprofit can expand their programming. It means a student is able to continue their academic journey.”

A proud Philadelphia native and Temple University alumna, Portia’s background in education, nonprofit leadership, and mission-driven consulting ultimately led her to the Trust, a role she initially turned down before realizing it aligned perfectly with her purpose.

“It feels like I’m supposed to be here at this moment, at this time.”

As the Trust celebrates nearly 60 years of impact, Portia hopes to continue expanding its reach by increasing grant funding, supporting more recipients, and creating an even more vibrant and collaborative Human Services Center for the community.

“We want to ensure that this Trust is positioned to invest dollars to support growth, jobs, ideas, and impact.”

Watch the full Because of the Trust episode featuring Portia Fullard here.