The roots of Black Philanthropy Month Founded by the African Women’s Development Fund USA and proclaimed by the United Nations and Congress in August 2011, Black Philanthropy Month was created as an annual, global celebration of African-descent giving in the United States and worldwide. Jackie Copeland-Carson, Executive Director of AWDF USA states, “Black Philanthropy Month gives our diverse communities an opportunity to celebrate and renew their rich, shared traditions of giving, self-help and innovation throughout the U.S. and the world.” And we have much to celebrate. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation released a report on race, culture and philanthropy in 2012 that stated nearly two-thirds of African-American households donate—to the tune of $11 billion each year. Of particular to note, many studies show that African-Americans give at a higher rate than do other racial groups. Recognition of black philanthropy is growing. Our next generation of donors, black Millennials, are giving in major ways as 67 percent of this group gave $100 or more in 2012. Black celebrity philanthropy is increasingly in the spotlight, African-American families are establishing foundations, forming giving circles remains popular in black communities, and interest in global giving is on the rise. These developments and trends in black giving hold great promise.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 17:09:25 +0000