August is my favorite month! Along with celebrating my birthday, I use this time to honor Black Philanthropy Month. This celebration, founded in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Copeland, recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Black philanthropic leadership to our communities. It also applauds the impact and power of Black collective giving in transforming lives and making a difference. Learn more here, www.blackphilanthropymonth.com.
As a board consultant specializing in DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging) training, I've noticed that a lack of cultural competency is a major barrier to diversifying boards and implementing inclusive practices. This raises an important question: Do nonprofit boards truly understand these gaps and the significance of Black Philanthropy Month? Unfortunately, many professionals in the nonprofit sector, including board members, are unaware of this important celebration. Despite progress made since the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of George Floyd’s death in 2020, there is still a divide.
Understanding the Hidden Costs of Segregation and Misinformation
Heather McGee’s book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, sheds light on this issue: “I learned that although we knew about white people even if we didn’t live with them—they were co-workers, school administrators, and of course, every image onscreen—segregation meant that white people didn’t know much about us at all. For all the ways that segregation is aimed at limiting the choices of people of color, it’s white people who are ultimately isolated.”
Desegregation has not fully bridged the understanding gap between races. Media portrayals of Black communities are often inaccurate or negative, reinforcing stereotypes.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
Research shows that the absence of Black individuals on boards and in philanthropic data often stems from misconceptions about access to wealth and influence. There's a tendency to view Black people as recipients of charity rather than active contributors. Boards should recognize that these perceptions do not reflect the reality of Black philanthropy.
Black households contribute a higher percentage of their income to charitable causes compared to white households. They donate 25% more of their income annually, and two-thirds of African American households support various organizations and causes, amounting to $11 billion each year. This is particularly significant given that 48% of these households report incomes below $50,000 annually.
Overcoming Fear and Bias
Boards should not let fear or misconceptions about Black communities hinder their efforts to diversify. Embracing Black professionals and donors can lead to valuable insights, innovation, and enhanced organizational success. As the National Council of Nonprofits highlights, “When a nonprofit's board members mirror the community they serve, the organization is better positioned to tap into resources through connections with potential donors, collaborative partners, and policymakers.”
Building Trust and Inclusivity
Building trust with Black communities is crucial. Many Black individuals are more likely to participate or donate if invited by someone within their trusted network. Boards should seek Black champions to help bridge gaps and foster relationships.
Motivations Behind Black Donations
Black donors are often motivated by faith, family tradition, and personal relationships. Many contribute through their religious institutions, with 64% giving due to their faith. Over 30% give in support of family traditions and cultural heritage. Additionally, trust plays a significant role, with many Black donors willing to support causes when approached by someone they trust.
The Power of Black Philanthropy
The significant impact of Black communities’ charitable efforts is often overlooked in the nonprofit sector. Black philanthropy historically includes Indigenous practices such as cooperatives, rotation and savings clubs, and communal support systems brought to Southern plantations by enslaved Africans. These practices have been essential to Black survival and solidarity.
Philanthropy within the Black community extends beyond financial contributions; it represents a long-standing commitment to collective well-being. Philanthropy encompasses a broad spectrum of giving that goes beyond its traditional definition. At its essence, it represents an implicit commitment to advancing the collective well-being of the community."
What is Give 8/28?
Give 8/28 campaign on August 28, is a day focused solely on philanthropic giving to Black-led and Black benefiting nonprofits. Learn more here, www.give828.org.
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.
Embracing Black Philanthropy
To effectively engage with Black stakeholders, boards must shift their beliefs and practices. Recognize that Black individuals make substantial contributions to charitable causes and that their philanthropic practices are diverse and impactful. Boards should leverage faith-based and cultural values in their outreach efforts, but also approach each donor with an understanding of their unique motivations.
Historical exclusionary practices have led Black communities to prioritize building their own networks and support systems. Highlight the positive impact of Black contributions in your organization’s mission and seek Black champions to help build trust and facilitate connections.
In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, encourage your board to volunteer with Black-led nonprofits, discuss Black philanthropy during meetings, and acknowledge notable Black philanthropists such as Madam CJ Walker, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Muhammad Ali. For additional resources on Black philanthropists and funding opportunities for Black-led nonprofits, consult lists from organizations like GiveButter, 25 Black Organizations Changing The World |
Understanding and integrating these insights into board practices will enhance your organization’s ability to engage meaningfully with Black philanthropy and build a more inclusive and effective board.
Remember, Black Philanthropy is philanthropy!
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