Last month, Talent Citizen dove into Black Philanthropy Month (BPM)—a celebration around the world every August that was founded more than 12 years ago to uplift and highlight the contributions of Black philanthropists and funding opportunities.
We gained a deeper appreciation for the history of philanthropy in the African American community and learned more about the factors and issues influencing the current state of Black philanthropic efforts. We explored various resources, influencers, and organizations that are helping to inform our work deeper, drive conversations internally, and prompt more reflection and action.
Resources we are finding especially relevant and informative this month are:
Through this resource on Classy.org, our team learned that BPM was founded in 2011 by Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland of the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (now Reunity). Dr. Copeland aimed to increase visibility and funding for Black-led grassroots organizations. The month provides an opportunity for people to connect in person and virtually, fostering stronger charitable relationships and encouraging community involvement through learning, social media engagement, and fundraising initiatives around the U.S. and the world.
In partnership with thought leaders in Black philanthropy like Dr. Copeland, Frontline Solutions developed the Black Philanthropy Ecosystem. This new framework includes a taxonomy of organizations within the ecosystem to evaluate current institutional, individual, and corporate investments in philanthropic efforts. It also serves as a resource to recognize and celebrate the extensive impact and legacy of Black philanthropy, which has deep roots predating modern tax codes and mainstream philanthropic models and is grounded in a cultural tradition of mutual support within Black communities. It was important for our team to understand how relational giving, community empowerment, and mutual aid have historically served as a response to systemic racism and continue to inform and inspire current Black philanthropic efforts.
Many Black-led nonprofit organizations operate on tight budgets and face challenges in accessing funding, which inspired DiDi Delgado to bring the Black Philanthropy Month movement to Massachusetts. Her work has resulted in Governor Maura Healey signing a proclamation recognizing Black Philanthropy Month, the first of its kind in the state, aimed at raising awareness and supporting these organizations. Activists and advocates like Delgado emphasize that awareness must be followed by action to foster real growth and change for Black-led nonprofits. Delgado hopes this recognition will help bolster Black-led nonprofits and initiatives, such as Rent For Moms.
Through this personal essay, Tycely Williams reflects on her journey from Washington, D.C. to South Carolina, when she took on a new role as the CEO of Liberty Fellowship. She recounts her family’s history in the South, marked by systemic racism, and draws inspiration from her ancestors’ resilience and hope. Williams emphasizes the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans to philanthropy and calls for a collective commitment to upholding the nation’s ideals of freedom and justice. She also expresses hope that, through philanthropy and community leadership, the state’s divisive past can be healed and a more just and equitable future can be realized. Williams’ concluding reminder that hope, not fear, must guide America’s path forward resonated strongly with our team as we work across sectors supporting mission-driven organizations.
