Black Philanthropy Month: What it is and where to donate in 2022

Which organizations are involved in Black Philanthropy Month?

Black Philanthropy Month was founded by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland in 2001. Thanks to the support from an organization called Reunity (formerly known as the Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network), Black Philanthropy Month kicked off its first official global summit in 2011. The mission of Black Philanthropy Month has since been propelled forward by more than 30 diverse women leaders throughout the global Black Diaspora. 

Black Philanthropy Month is currently sustained by its backbone organization—also founded by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland—The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund (The WISE Fund). Volunteers, committee leaders, and generous sponsors (including signature charity partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital) also help make Black Philanthropy Month in-person and virtual events possible.

Learn more about the history of Black Philanthropy Month

At its core, Black Philanthropy Month is a way to honor African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms. There is such a rich history of generosity in Black communities, as Black families, churches, and other social organizations were forced to find ways to uplift and support community members through a long history of racial discrimination and prejudice.

Black philanthropy is not a new concept—the practice of giving to those in need within Black communities has been around for centuries! And that legacy still lives on today. Studies have shown that out of all racial and ethnic groups, Black families have contributed the largest proportion of their wealth to charity since 2010—despite a long history of structural barriers that have prevented Black communities from building generational wealth and have created a clear equity gap. Even so, two-thirds of Black households donate to charity and give 25 percent more of their income annually than white households. Black community members are also more likely to give in ways that can’t be as easily monetized, such as volunteering their time and providing in-kind donations to neighbors in need. Giving is a common feature of Black communities worldwide.

Black Philanthropy Month highlights this history and calls for others to recognize the importance of continuing to invest in Black philanthropic leadership and fighting for funding equity.

How to get involved in Black Philanthropy Month 2022

Investing in Black philanthropic leadership means investing in a better future for all! Join us and millions of other changemakers who are uplifting powerful Black stories of change and helping Black-led organizations make the world a better (and more equitable) place. Not sure where to start? Here are some ways you can make a difference this August: 

• Donate to a Givebutter Verified Fundraiser serving Black communities
• Start a fundraiser on behalf of Black Philanthropy Month (or any other Black-led organization that’s near and dear to you) and submit your campaign to be considered to receive up to $5K from Givebutter in August
• Become an official Black Philanthropy Month 2022 sponsor
• Review the 10 Global Black Funding Principles and sign the Black Funding Equity Pledge
• Host an event (or a Black Philanthropy Month local watch party!) and submit your event to be featured on Black Philanthropy Month’s official events calendar 
• Share Black Philanthropy Month’s proclamation template with your city officials
• Take advantage of Black Philanthropy Month’s social media templates and advocate for Black Philanthropy Month using the hashtags #BPM2022 during August and #BPM365 throughout the year

Explore Black Philanthropy Month’s Community Participation Guide for more ways to get involved → 

Givebutter can help you find verified fundraisers to support during Black Philanthropy Month

Everyone who signs up to fundraise on Givebutter goes through an intensive review process to ensure there is no fraudulent or suspicious activity going on. We always verify the identity of both nonprofit organizations and individual fundraisers to make sure funds are going exactly where they say they’re going. Every donation on Givebutter is safe and secure thanks to our PCI-compliant payments partner, Stripe, so all you have to do is focus on making the world a better place one donation at a time.