GIVING IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

It Never Left Us

Philanthropy isn’t new to the Black community. Across generations and geographies, from rural communities to urban centers, our culture has been steeped in care, reciprocity, and collective well-being. Giving has always been woven into our lives, whether through mutual aid, supporting neighbors, or the community-driven work of institutions like the Black church. For me, this tradition is personal. With roots in Creole, Native, and West Indian cultures, I’ve experienced firsthand how giving and community care are inherent to who we are.

Modern philanthropy whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or strategic leadership is a continuation of these long-held practices.

While some may engage in philanthropy for career growth or access to new opportunities, many of us participate simply because it’s in our nature to give back. This conversation explores the layers of Black philanthropy, acknowledging both the opportunities and the challenges that come with it.

Philanthropy As A Cultural Legacy

In conversations about philanthropy, there’s often a suggestion that certain communities need to “reclaim” or “gain access” to these spaces. But from my perspective, philanthropy has always been with us it never went anywhere. Mutual aid, acts of service, and giving are deeply ingrained in our history, long before formal philanthropic institutions emerged

The Black church, for example, has long been a hub for community support, fundraising, and leadership development. In rural areas and within Creole and West Indian traditions, the ethos of giving is passed down as part of daily life. These practices reflect more than charity; they represent a philosophy of care, shared responsibility, and collective advancement

Modern philanthropy is an extension of this heritage It allows us to engage more formally with organizations and initiatives while still honoring the traditions we’ve carried all along.

Why Some Hold Back

Even though giving is embedded in our culture, some individuals still hesitate to engage in formal philanthropic spaces. These hesitations aren’t about a lack of access opportunities are available Instead, they reflect deeper concerns: Burnout and Overcommitment: Many fear that taking on additional roles, such as serving on boards or leading initiatives, will add too much to their already full lives.

For those balancing careers, family, and community responsibilities, it can feel overwhelming to add more Skepticism of Institutions: Some people are cautious about engaging with organizations that don’t seem to align with the community values they hold dear. Institutions haven’t always respected Black voices or operated with transparency, making it difficult to trust their intentions.

Navigating the Line Between Altruism and Career-building: There’s often tension between participating for personal fulfillment and using philanthropy as a networking tool or career-building opportunity. Both motivations can exist, but it’s important to engage in ways that feel genuine and not transactional.

These reservations are valid, but they don’t have to keep us from participating meaningfully. By finding spaces that align with our values, we can contribute in ways that reflect both who we are and what we care about.

Opportunities For Engagement

The idea that philanthropic spaces are hidden behind gatekeepers is a myth. Opportunities are there for those who want to engage whether through giving circles, board service, advisory roles, or high-impact initiatives. The real challenge lies in recognizing these opportunities and believing that our presence is valuable and necessary

For those ready to step into these roles, here are some ways to start:

Leverage Existing Networks: Many of the people in your professional and personal circles are already involved in philanthropic work. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or community leaders to explore opportunities

Join Giving Circles: These collaborative networks allow individuals to pool resources whether money, time, or expertise to fund causes they care about. They also provide a space to build community while making an impact.

Create Your Own Opportunities: If you don’t see a space that aligns with your values, build one.

Starting an initiative or organizing a community project can be just as impactful as joining an existing organization

The Power Of Intentional Giving

Philanthropy offers different rewards for different people While some may use it to gain access to new networks or professional opportunities, others engage purely for the joy of giving. Both motivations are valid. People chose to give for a variety of reasons including to build legacy, for personal fulfillment and for the opportunity to influence by serving on a board, and impact by ensuring their voice is represented in decision-making spaces

Philanthropy As An Ongoing Legacy

Modern philanthropy offers us new ways to engage, but at its core, it reflects the same values we’ve upheld for generations: care, reciprocity, and collective advancement.

As Change Makers, we have the opportunity to shape the future by continuing to give intentionally whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or strategic influence The work we do today reflects who we are and builds a legacy for those who come after us

Philanthropy involves giving, but on the deepest level, it’s about creating, showing up, aligning with causes that are personal to you and for the greater good of the community.. And the beauty of it all? We’ve been doing this all along

Have a charity, initiative or organization you’d like us to highlight? Need inspiration for who you can connect with locally or on a larger scale?