August is Black Philanthropy Month. Created in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network, Black Philanthropy Month celebrates giving by those of African descent and advocates for racial funding equity in our communities. Every year, the month concludes with a giving day or weekend that supports Black-led, Black-benefitting organizations.

On the local scene, the New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP) is a philanthropic collective that values “preserving culture, building community and sharpening philanthropy’s social impact for racial equity and equality”. NGAAP embraces the root meaning of philanthropy – love of humanity – working through collective giving and strategic action to strengthen the greater Black community. NGAAP and founding member, Valaida Fullwood, have been instrumental in building Black Philanthropy Month in the past 11 years. This year’s theme, Fierce Urgency of Now, From Dream to Action, is a nod to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s reminder that there is no time for “apathy or complacency,” and now is the time for “vigorous and positive action.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. April 4, 1967. We know that persistent disparities exist in philanthropic funding and restrictions on funding to Black-led organizations. As we work to become more effective philanthropists, Black philanthropy and funding of Black-led, Black-benefitting organizations are crucial to unlocking solutions.

There are a number of interesting live and virtual events this month. Learn more about Black philanthropy, ways to engage donors, and Black women’s philanthropy during Jim Crow. Events kick off on August 3 and conclude on August 30. August 11, there will be a funder and nonprofit networking forum at The Mint Museum from 3-5 pm, featuring Nathaniel Chioke Williams, Ph.D. of the Hill-Snowdon Foundation. Bakari Sellers will moderate a forum on Black Philanthropy in Martha’s Vineyard on August 18th that will be live streamed. And on August 30, the Gannt Museum will host a book talk by author Tyrone McKinley Freeman who will talk about Madam C.J. Walker and her philanthropy during the Jim Crow era. Register here.

Click here for a full list of events and links to register. Also, follow our social media for information about events. Enjoy the celebration of Black philanthropy month in Charlotte! #BPM2022CLT.