Building on the Legacy of Black Philanthropy

August marks the start of Black Philanthropy Month! Black Philanthropy Month is a concentrated effort to celebrate the long history of Black philanthropy and raise funds for Black-led and Black-serving organizations. In 2011, the first Black Philanthropy Month global summit took place, sparking action to increase the amount of philanthropic dollars in Black communities.

According to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, nearly two-thirds of Black American households donate to causes they care about deeply, totaling nearly $11 billion each year. The legacy of Black Philanthropy runs deep – but is often overlooked. For much of American history, Black Americans have created social services, educational programs and charitable organizations benefiting the Black community.

Giving Circles through Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), such as the Cincinnati Black Giving Circle (CBGC), are making a big impact in our region. Since 2020, the CBGC has raised $370,000, including $75,000 from GCF and awarded grants to 11 nonprofits, amplifying impact in the region.

When asked why giving Black matters, CBGC donors and philanthropists John L and Lisa Allbrittin answered, “We are passionate believers in ‘Giving Black®.’ We support CBGC as it helps underinvested nonprofits that we wouldn’t likely know much about through our own efforts. CBGC gives us the opportunity to truly live out our belief of ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’”

Throughout the month of August, Greater Cincinnati Foundation encourages all Greater Cincinnatians to find ways to engage with racial equity work, join the Cincinnati Black Giving Circle and/or donate to Black-led nonprofits and support Black-owned businesses and Black-led organizations in our region.

For more information or to make a gift to the Cincinnati Black Giving Circle, contact:

Robert Killins, Jr., CAP®

Director, Special Initiatives
513-768-6151
robert.killins@gcfdn.org