What is Black Philanthropy Month?
Black Philanthropy Month, held every August, features a multinational summit to advance funding equity by promoting philanthropy among people of African-descent communities. Launched in 2011, Black Philanthropy Month was originally conceived by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, with early support from the Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network.
The History of Black Philanthropy: From West Africa to the 1960’s
African American history, black philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector are deeply intertwined. Black History Month itself was founded in 1915 by a nonprofit, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Considering ZIM’s role in the philanthropic space, our staff is focusing intentionally on the history of Black philanthropy this month and discussing how we incorporate our learnings into our everyday work. By understanding this shared history, we can enhance our fundraising efforts and support communities more equitably.
Early Roots: Black Philanthropy West African Descent
It is common to see Black philanthropists framed as a new trend, but Black Philanthropy has existed for centuries, with roots in West African culture. Enslaved peoples, forcibly brought to America, carried with them a “tradition of loosely defined kinship,” meaning neighbors helped each other, often informally. In the face of the horrific and dehumanizing conditions of slavery, this tradition of mutual support became a critical means of survival. Looking after neighbors and combining resources characterized Black philanthropy from the beginning. As America’s racial history unfolded, the abolitionist movement, resistance to Jim Crow and segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement continually shaped Black Philanthropy.
19th Century: Key Figures & Movements in Black Philanthropy
Philanthropic giving fueled the abolitionist movement, often covertly due to threats of violence. Still, early Black philanthropists including James Forten and Tommy LaFon funded abolitionist newspapers and other mechanisms to end slavery. When slavery formally ended in 1865, Black communities relied on informal structures to support themselves.
Early 20th Century Developments: Rise of Mutual Aid & Educational Focus
“Fraternal” or “mutual aid groups” were also strong vehicles for giving, predating the modern Giving Circle concept. Education emerged as a key philanthropic priority, leading to the establishment of numerous Black colleges, a focus that persists among Black philanthropists today.
Mid-20th Century and Civil Rights Movement: Philanthropy in Action
The “Separate but Equal” Dred Scott Supreme Court decision forced Black Communities to create separate systems for philanthropy to meet their communities’ needs. During Jim Crow, Madam C. J. Walker, America’s first woman millionaire, and contemporary of the Gilded Age’s Rockefeller and Vanderbilt, imagined a different model for giving. Instead of giving large sums upon her death, she gave throughout her life as her wealth accumulated.
Black philanthropy also fueled the Civil Rights Movement, funding causes like meals for Freedom Riders, registering Black voters, and desegregating schools. Top Black philanthropists during this time included A.G. Gaston, who did most of his philanthropy in secret.
Black Philanthropy Today: Challenges and Opportunities
Many Black Philanthropy scholars and advocates are calling to reimagine our definition of philanthropy today to be more inclusive. In Black communities, philanthropy is an everyday occurrence, usually not within nonprofit sector structures. In fact, many Black Americans do not define their giving as “philanthropy.”
Addressing Funding Inequities in the Nonprofit Sector
Today's funding distribution in the nonprofit sector highlights the racial wealth gap and other systemic inequities faced by Black Americans. Studies reveal that Black families donate a higher proportion of their income than any other racial group, despite earning less and facing barriers to wealth accumulation. However, white-led nonprofits receive more funding, with budgets 24% larger than those of Black-led organizations. Additionally, unrestricted assets for Black-led nonprofits are 76% smaller.
One contributing factor is the central role of relationships in fundraising. A study found that 50% of CEOs of color reported a lack of connections with funding sources, compared to 33% of white CEOs. The Center for Family Philanthropy notes that societal structures have historically disadvantaged Black charitable institutions. Despite their resilience, Black-led nonprofits should not have to continually adapt to survive systemic inequities.
Understanding Black Philanthropy for more Equitable Fundraising
Both philanthropists and fundraisers can learn from Black Philanthropy. Philanthropists can build trust with Black nonprofits. As Hawwa Muhammad at Tides writes, acknowledging Black giving history can help institutional philanthropy embrace trust-based philanthropy, making Black communities responsible stewards of funds.
This step is crucial for addressing funding disparities, especially unrestricted funding. Black Executive Director Tiffany Turner-Allen emphasizes that “there is no such thing as giving too much,” particularly for general operating and capacity building, given the 400-year history of oppression faced by Black communities.
Fundraisers also play a role. Donors influence how nonprofits serve their communities, and Black Americans are approached as donors less often than white Americans. Thus, soliciting Black donors is part of equity work.
Working For a More Equitable Future this Black Philanthropy Month
Honoring Black Philanthropy Month means putting our understanding into action. Nonprofits, community foundations, and other institutions must reimagine fundraising and philanthropy to be more equitable, making space for Black voices in our sector and putting unrestricted dollars in the hands of Black-led nonprofits. ZIM Consulting is proud to join the community of institutions dedicated to these principles. We are committed to supporting Black philanthropy and advancing equity in the philanthropic space. By partnering with organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion, and advocating for practices that empower historically marginalized communities, we aim to help create a more just and equitable future.