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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.

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Janet LaBar

Executive Director​
jlabar@womensimpactfund.org

With more than 25 years of experience, Janet has a proven track record of leading organizations and teams in developing strategies that foster thriving communities. Her career is dedicated to the well-being of the places she serves, and the people and businesses within them, positioning her as a trusted sounding board, critical thinker, and purposeful protagonist across corporate, government, education, entrepreneurial, and civic spheres.
Janet joined Women’s Impact Fund in June 2025 to guide one of Charlotte’s most respected, women-led philanthropic organizations into its next phase of growth and impact. In partnership with the Women’s Impact Fund team, Board, Advisors, members, volunteers, and key community partners, she will continue strengthening communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and engagement.
Inspired by her family, teams who dare greatly, and people and communities striving to be their best selves, Janet’s impactful career includes leadership roles as President and CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, President and CEO of Greater Portland Inc, and Chief Performance Officer of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. As a first-generation Filipino American, her lived experience deeply informs her professional drive to create equitable economic growth and opportunity in the metro areas she’s served.
She holds a BA in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Janet and her husband James are proud parents to an older daughter, and a daughter and son who are twins.