At Home & At Work: We Are All Black Philanthropy

Photo credit: Cece Carpio, Trust Your Struggle | "We Got Us"

Black philanthropy is a community-wide effort, built not just by formal organizations, but by the collective power of all of us. We celebrate the investments people make in our shared future, the acts of service that care for one another, and the dedication to improving the overall well-being of our communities.

The impact of Black philanthropy is a testament to the deeply rooted traditions of giving within the Black community. Some examples of recent Black philanthropy in action range from foundations and religious institutions to high-net-worth individuals:

• Black Freedom Fund (BFF) has recently become an independent institution, having granted $45 million to over 200 Black-serving organizations in California since 2020, and aims to raise $200 million for long-term investment. BFF is the largest pooled transfer of wealth toward Black organizing in history!

• Religious institutions like the Black church have historically been the "most powerful institution of racial self-help in the African American community". In 1993, San Francisco Foundation created FAITHS (Foundation Alliance with Interfaith to Heal Society) to enhance the work of faith-based organizations and congregations to organize and advocate for equitable policies and improve services and outcomes in their neighborhoods and the region. 

• Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation, has also advocated for increased financial investment in Black-led businesses and community organizations through initiatives such as the Dream Keeper Initiative.

• Libra Foundation's Democracy Frontlines Fund works to disrupt traditional practices and deepen the conversation about antiracism within philanthropy by leveraging $36 million in multiyear support for ten Black-led organizations.  

• Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity is a project of Tides that works with foundations to make racial equity a priority. The project has directly engaged thousands of foundation representatives in discussions of racial equity and racial justice, and how they can advance the mission of achieving racial justice through their own philanthropic institutions. 

• East Bay Community Foundation recently announced a $300,000 in grant support for Black-led Organizations through ASCEND: BLO this Summer. 

• Robert F. Smith, a Black philanthropist, investor, industry leader, and entrepreneur, paid off the student loan debt of an entire graduating class at Morehouse College—$34M! Smith has used his platform to create opportunities for communities across the U.S through the Student Freedom Initiative. 

Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month (2025)

August is Black Philanthropy Month, a time to honor and elevate the deep-rooted traditions of giving within Black communities. It's a reminder that our collective commitment and contributions are the engines of progress and resilience.

Through intentional collaborative programming, timely events, and professional development opportunities, the Black Funders Network of the Bay Area (BFN) brings together Black funders and allies to build a strong community within philanthropy by fostering leadership and career growth, driving innovation and investment, and ultimately aligning their support for Black communities.

The Historical Roots of Black Philanthropy

Black philanthropy has existed for centuries, with roots in West African cultures. Black Philanthropy Month celebrations are broader than the traditional definition of philanthropy, which is often used to mean large financial gifts given by wealthy individuals to organizations, institutions, or individuals in need. In 1999, Dr. C. Erick Lincoln used the following definition:

"[Black philanthropy is] the voluntary transfer of significant values identified with the self, or an extension of the self to other entities... [these] may be intangible, as in the case of love, labor, services, or support: or they may be concrete and tangible as in the case of money, works of art, clothing, shelter, and the like..."

Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) is a global celebration and campaign to elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. Since its inception, the recognition of BPM has been shaped by dynamic leaders across the global Black Diaspora, and has evolved into a powerful movement with over 19 million participants across 60 countries.

This year’s BPM theme, Sankofa Now! Remember. Reclaim. RISE, is both a call and a commitment urging us to honor the lessons of the past, reclaim our narratives, and rise boldly into a future powered by Black vision, leadership, and investment.

Read more about the roots of Black Philanthropy