Black Philanthropy Month: Afro Futures of Giving

Black Philanthropy Month is celebrated during the month of August. This annual celebration focuses on uplifting the Black community and building a more just and inclusive society. The theme for Black Philanthropy Month 2024 is “Afro Futures of Giving.” Grounded in the theory of Afro-futurism, this is an invitation to reimagine a better world and take action to build it. Afro-futurism is about unleashing our moral imagination by building a collective vision, establishing partnerships, setting an agenda, and taking strategic action. The theme is inspired by the writings of the late science fiction writer and activist, Octavia Butler. Black Philanthropy Month 2024 serves as a roadmap for advancing racial justice.

 

Black Philanthropy Month was launched in August 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network. It is celebrated each August in recognition of those of African American descent and focuses on topics like promoting economic justice and empowering funding equality in the nonprofit sector. It encompasses more than 19 million individuals in 60 countries. The underlying tenets of Black Philanthropy Month reach far beyond financial considerations. Giving during Black Philanthropy Month is a matter of universal human rights that supports racial, social, economic, gender, and environmental justice.

 

A focus on philanthropy is essential for supporting a Black ecosystem that ministers to the needs of the community, inspires change, and creates access to justice. This is an invitation for everyone to invest their time, talents, and resources. Investing in Black-led youth-serving nonprofit organizations can aid in building a solid foundation for the future. It will provide youth with the tools to learn, grow, and lead. 

Supporting Black-led youth-serving nonprofit organizations also provides a remarkable yield on the investment. Did you know for every dollar invested in a youth program or early childhood education yields up to $16? Further, for each additional dollar invested in education, another $2 is gained in future earnings per student. 

This August, you can build a more vibrant future for the next generation by donating and supporting local, Black-led nonprofits that are making a difference in the lives of our youth. These organizations rely on the generosity of supporters and strategic partnerships within the community to provide youth-oriented programs, initiatives, and services.

• Irreducible Grace Foundation: healing, arts

• JK Movement: sports enrichment, creative arts

• Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute: literacy, leadership development

• Sweet Potato Comfort Pie: healing, arts

• 30,000 Feet: educational programming

• W.E. Win Institute: educational programming, leadership development

Black Philanthropy Month is not just about a month-long commitment to building a more vibrant and sustainable ecosystem. It is a long-term commitment to advancing racial justice and equity.

Throughout the rest of the year, continue to reflect on these key questions with others:

1. Describe your ideal future for Black giving and/or social finance. 

2. What factors are driving the future of Black giving and social finance available to promote wellness, equity, and justice in Black families, institutions, and communities?

3. What are three concrete actions that you will take as a change agent in your family, community, workplace, and/or other affiliations during 2024 to increase the chances that your vision of a Black Giving Future comes to fruition over the next five years? 

Remember, Octavia Butler once stated: “All that you touch

You Change.

All that you Change

Changes you.

The only lasting truth

Is Change…”

When we support Black philanthropy, we are igniting social change, strengthening our communities, and transforming society.

Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner seeks to plant seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach.