Fundraising

Ubuntu in Action: How Black Giving Circles Redefine Community Support

Black philanthropy has a rich history, exemplified by trailblazers like Madam C.J. Walker. As the first 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 Monae 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. This 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 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.

The Need To Resource Feminist Movements Has Never Been Greater—So Where's the Money for Feminist Organizing?

The Need To Resource Feminist Movements Has Never Been Greater. Where’s the Money for Feminist Organizing?

AWID’s latest funding analysis show that 99% of development aid and foundation grants do not reach women’s rights and feminist organizations. WROs receive only 0.12% of the total Official Development Assistance and 0.4% of all gender-related aid. 48% of women’s rights and feminist organizations in the Global South operate on limited annual budgets of $30,000 or less.

Yet the urgency to adequately resource the full diversity of the ecosystem of feminist movements has never been greater.

Help Send Ms. to Women in Prisons and Domestic Violence Shelters

Help Send Ms. to Women in Prisons and Domestic Violence Shelters

The Ms. Prison and Domestic Violence Shelter Program lets women on the inside know they are not alone. Every American should be ashamed that this country puts a greater proportion of its citizens in prison than any other nation on earth, because of racism, sexism and also because in many states, the Prison Industrial Complex allows corporations to build and run prisons for profit.

Five Ways to Support Ms. Before the End of the Year

Ms. is a non-profit, independently-published magazine—meaning we rely on the support of our community to stay in print, publish online and continue mobilizing the feminist movement around the world. There are many ways you can support the work we do to make feminist perspectives heard and amplify voices from the feminist frontlines.

Leave a Legacy with Ms.

For almost 50 years, Ms. has been reporting, rebelling and truth-telling the stories of women’s lives. To lay the foundation for another historic 50 years, we are inviting you to join the Ms. Legacy Circle.