Black
Philanthropy
Month
Washington | August 2024
August is Black Philanthropy Month in Washington state and around the world — an inclusive opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Black giving and inspire increased investment in Black communities. This year’s theme was Afro-Futures of Giving, exploring how we collectively harness our philanthropic and community finance traditions to create better futures for Black people.
Afrofuturism in Philanthropy
Panelists explored the past, present, and future of Black giving and social finance to promote wealth, well-being, and justice. Afrofuturism encompasses notions of Black identity, agency, and freedom through art, creative works, and activism that envision liberated futures. As the philanthropic sector reimagines its role, this moment is an opportunity to look to Black philanthropists and artists for inspiration and direction.
Ways to Get Involved This Month and Beyond
A warm welcome to Black Philanthropy Month from T'wina Nobles, CEO of Black Future Co-op Fund.
Learn.
Expand your knowledge of Black philanthropy — its origins, history, leaders, and impacts.
A few resources to get you started:
“Essence Is Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month By Delving into What It Means to Be Philanthropic and Black”
‘Black Imagination: Black Voices on Black Futures”
“Black Women in Philanthropy: The Art of Everyday Giving as Activism”
“A Generosity of Spirit: The Legacy of Black Philanthropy”
Share.
Use the social media posts and email in our toolkit to lift up Black giving and encourage increased investment in Black communities among your networks.
Host a breakfast or lunchtime conversation about Black philanthropy at your workplace to watch our Aug. 27 panel conversation or past sessions and discuss with your colleagues.
Invite the Black Future Co-op Fund to talk to your colleagues by contacting Lanessa Cerrillo.
“All that you touch you Change. All that you Change, Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change.
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Give.
Invest your time, talent, and treasure.
Become a monthly donor to the Black Future Co-op Fund and a cooperative partner in the march for Black liberation. Donate now.
Check out Black-led organizations we’ve invested in for places to volunteer or organize a work volunteer event.
Pool resources among your colleagues to invest in one or more Black–led organizations. See Global Black Funding Principles.
“At the core of Afrofuturism is an emphasis on trying to create a system that’s more equitable with a core goal of collective care for everyone.
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A Rich Legacy of Black Philanthropy
Black people have a rich history of investing our time, talent, and treasure to care for our communities In the face of anti-Blackness. We are the most generous — giving a higher proportion of our incomes than any other racial group. From Black churches and mutual aid to fraternities, sororities, and scholarships, Black philanthropy nourishes our well-being.
To recognize the ingenuity and significant impact of Black giving on the U.S. and globally, Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network first started Black Philanthropy Month in 2011. Thirteen years strong, Black Philanthropy Month has expanded across the country and the world. Check their website for events and updates.
Washington Black Philanthropy Month Sponsors
Amazon, Seattle Kraken, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Storm, Uber, United Way of King County, Black Future Co-op Fund