Black Philanthropy: A Catalyst for Change
Philanthropy has long been a cornerstone of social change and community betterment, providing resources and support to those in need. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the unique importance of Black philanthropy. Black Philanthropy Month is celebrated in August and emphasizes the significance of giving to Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits. These organizations are often underfunded and underrepresented.
The lack of representation in philanthropic circles exacerbates underfunding and underrepresentation. Decision-makers and funders who do not reflect the diversity of the communities being served may fail to fully grasp the needs and promote the voices and perspectives of Black nonprofits.
Generations of structural racism have marginalized Black communities, leading to disparities in education, employment and wealth among other areas of life. Consequently, Black-led nonprofits often operate within environments where their potential donors have economic constraints and limited resources to allocate toward philanthropy. These nonprofits may also lack access to influential connections, thus limiting their ability to secure financial support.
What is Black philanthropy?
Black philanthropy transcends traditional charity, serving as a proactive effort to address systemic disparities, amplify marginalized voices and cultivate sustainable change within Black communities. Black philanthropy can be tied to the biblical idea of ‘group economics’ in which resources stay within a community to build cooperation, sustainability and power. As the movements for racial, economic and social justice gain momentum, Black philanthropy has become increasingly profound, offering hope and pathways toward a brighter future for all.
What does Black philanthropy accomplish?
The collaborative nature of Black philanthropy fosters strong communities and solidifies a sense of unity. Through connected efforts, resource pooling and group economics, individuals and groups combat challenges and celebrate successes together. Largely, the effect of Black philanthropy resonates through economic empowerment as many Black nonprofits offer programs that uplift entrepreneurship, provide job training and enhance financial literacy. This focus on economic development creates pathways to success within Black communities.
Many Black nonprofits and organizations are dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating Black culture, resilience, history and heritage. This commitment not only nurtures a sense of identity and belonging within the Black community but also promotes diversity, inclusivity and mutual understanding which Community Renewal Society works to do every day.
Why does giving to Black nonprofits and organizations matter?
The significance of Black philanthropy goes beyond the present moment. Investments in Black nonprofits and organizations cater to the needs and aspirations of community members and contribute to the long-term sustainability of programs and services aimed at enhancing the well-being of Black individuals and communities. This continuity ensures that vital activities such as running food banks, participating in neighborhood cleanups, mentoring and advocating for social policies, are sustained and able to grow over time.
By contributing to Black nonprofits that advocate for policy reforms and social justice initiatives, such as increasing police accountability, restoring opportunities for those impacted by the criminal justice system, advancing conversations around reparations, ending the practice of cash bond and protecting LGBTQIA+ communities, donors facilitate systemic transformations. These are all things that CRS works for under our Platform for Renewal. Black philanthropy is a driving force behind positive, lasting change, brings representation and visibility and counters historical underrepresentation.
In addition to direct funding, capacity-building support equips Black-led nonprofits with necessary tools and skills to grow their impact. Encouraging collaboration between larger, established organizations and smaller nonprofits through Black philanthropy fosters resource sharing and increases collective impact.
What is Give 8/28?
Community Renewal Society recognizes the need for a more equal distribution of resources to empower and amplify the impact of Black-led nonprofits. This year, we continue our partnership with The Young, Black & Giving Back Institute for the national Give 8/28 campaign on August 28, a day focused solely on philanthropic giving to Black-led and Black benefiting nonprofits.
The Give 8/28 campaign highlights significant events in Black history that all occurred on August 28 including the integration of Jackie Robinson into Major League Baseball in 1945, Emmett Till’s brutal murder in 1955, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, landfall of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the acceptance of Barack Obama’s presidency nomination in 2008 and the passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020.
Underfunding and underrepresentation of Black-led nonprofits is prevalent within the philanthropic landscape, and addressing these issues require a comprehensive approach that acknowledges historical inequities, promotes representation and prioritizes equitable distribution of resources. By taking these steps, we can move toward a more just society where the potential of Black-led nonprofits to drive positive change is fully realized.
Here are ways you can support CRS, a Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofit.
Commit to spreading the word about Give 8/28 by sharing our social media posts with your networks.
Make a gift to our Give 8/28 campaign in partnership with The Young, Black & Giving Back Institute.
Take action to help us amplify marginalized voices that are most directly impacted by racism and poverty.
Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of the ChatGPT language model developed by OpenAI.