My first Black Philanthropy Month

In many of my day jobs, I have run in heavily white circles. Most of the judges I worked for post-law school were white men, many fundraisers I work with are white women (managed by white men), and most of the donors have been white also. 

I, like many Americans, have had work to do in the post-George Floyd racial awakening in our country. Part of that for me has been to focus my own philanthropy toward Black communities in Chicago, and to also think about how my workplace and work could be more inclusive. I joined the South Side Giving Circle for the Chicago Foundation for Women to throw some of my money to the causes that the circle - mostly Black women - considers the most worthy.

Months ago, a friend at another organization mentioned that naming policies and major gift fundraising can be inherently colonialistic, since super-affluent (and mostly white people, mostly white men) are putting their names on things in perpetuity in exchange for some of that wealth and power. At the time, I balked at the idea - shouldn't donors get some recognition for their philanthropy?

As I thought about it more, though, I thought about how those systems do exclude lower-income people, many women, and many BIPOC folks from participating as donors, in boards, and more.

I have gotten involved this month in Black Philanthropy Month for the first time. A member of the South Side Giving Circle sent an invite for a Black Philanthropy Month virtual celebration, and I got to attend a panel via the Hartford Foundation's black giving circle with Nikole Hannah-Jones (1619 Project) and LaTosha Brown (Black Votes Matter). Both of these events were eye-opening and inspiring for me.

As discussed in these panels, giving is an act of love, giving is political, and giving can be more than just cash but also volunteering. There is a long history of Black philanthropy that generally focuses on local communities rather than national organizations. And engaging Black donors appropriately can mean thinking about philanthropy in new ways, beyond dollar amounts.

In my own work at my current employer, it is important to acknowledge that we may not be given donations from some Black alumnae because they didn't have the best experience when they were there. They may have felt excluded. I think acknowledging that and working to improve is a good first step, and recruiting more diverse board members to ensure adequate representation of voices (regardless of philanthropic history or ability) is another good one.

Thank you to all the Black philanthropists, leaders, and donors out there for using your voices this month to educate folks like me. I will be here for Black Philanthropy Month next year, but beyond that, I will work to take these lessons into my work every day.