Through collective giving, Black women can challenge the status quo and ensure our efforts lead to sustainable and meaningful change.
This essay is part of a Women & Democracy package focused on who’s funding the women and LGBTQ people on the frontlines of democracy. We’re manifesting a new era for philanthropy—one that centers feminism. The need is real: Funding for women and girls amounts to less than 2 percent of all philanthropic giving; for women of color, it’s less than 1 percent. Explore the “Feminist Philanthropy Is Essential to Democracy” collection.
Black philanthropy has a rich history, exemplified by trailblazers like Madam C.J. Walker. As the first Black woman to become a self-made millionaire in America, Walker built her fortune by creating a successful line of hair care products for Black women. While she used her wealth to fund anti-lynching campaigns, give scholarships to women and more, her philanthropic journey began long before she amassed her wealth, as giving is deeply rooted in personal experiences and identity.
Walker is just one of many Black philanthropists who have made significant contributions throughout history. While women like Rihanna and Janelle Monáe are widely recognized for their charitable work, most Black philanthropists are working behind the scenes to make a big impact on countless causes in their community. August marked Black Philanthropy Month; it’s crucial to recognize both the historical and current landscape of Black giving, drawing important lessons from this legacy of generosity and community support.
This is Ubuntu. We are all interconnected and each of us has a role to play.
Rebecca Darwent
First, give in community. I was introduced to giving circles over a decade ago. Living in Durham, N.C., I was early in my nonprofit career and looking to build a network in support of the missions I cared about. It wasn’t until years later when I was introduced to New Generation of African-American Philanthropists (NGAAP)—a giving circle where members pool their resources and collectively decide where to give funds—that I finally found the community I was looking for. As a Black woman, it was important to intertwine my identity with my philanthropy.
As a member of NGAAP, I have learned about Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in Charlotte, N.C., and participated in discussions on how we, as a group, can make an impact with and beyond our dollars. Being part of NGAAP has not only deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities with Black-led nonprofits, but also strengthened my ties to my community and enhanced my ability to contribute meaningfully. As Rebecca Darwent says in her 2023 TED Talk, “This is Ubuntu. We are all interconnected and each of us has a role to play.”
Collective giving is embedded in cultures around the world, and this model of radical generosity is as old as humanity itself. My story is just one example of hundreds of thousands of everyday philanthropists who have found community through collective giving. In fact, new research from Philanthropy Together, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Colmena-Consulting shows 77 percent of giving circles are formed around a common affiliation or identity, and nine in 10 members said their participation has positively impacted their sense of belonging to a community.
Giving circles empower women and people of color—historically marginalized groups who have been underrepresented in traditional philanthropic spaces—to reclaim agency, align philanthropy with their values and directly impact their communities. And while groups are formed around a shared identity, members still bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Group discussions foster learning, leading to more informed, strategic and impactful giving decisions. Personally, collective giving has transformed how I show up for and with my community, making me a more effective advocate and supporter.
Second, give generously. Research shows Black Americans donate a more significant portion of their wealth compared to other racial and ethnic groups, despite the persistent racial wealth gap. Black households donate approximately $11 billion annually to community organizations, funding causes from climate action and healthcare to voting rights reform. This figure likely underestimates total giving, as it only includes recorded donations.
Black giving extends beyond just financial contributions with individuals giving the 5 T’s: time, talent, treasure, testimony and ties. The “In Abundance” report shows 63 percent of giving circle members increased their donations both within and beyond their circles after joining. This demonstrates the transformative power of collective giving, fostering greater generosity and sustained change.
Lastly, give out loud. There is power in using our voice to change who and what gets funded. Black giving circle members use their unique community insights to fund often overlooked organizations. Research shows 57 percent of giving circle members actively promote the work of the organizations they fund, amplifying their impact and influencing funding priorities. In this way, Black charitable giving plays a crucial role in diversifying and democratizing philanthropy.
While our testimony can move more money toward organizations that help our communities, it can also create a ripple effect of generosity.
I encourage everyone to consider joining or starting a giving circle. Through collective giving, we can challenge the status quo and ensure our efforts lead to sustainable and meaningful change. Let’s build on Madam Walker’s legacy of generosity and those who paved the way before us. Let us use our voices, resources and networks to create the change in this world we wish to see.
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