With the Black Philanthropy Month and Giving Black Day behind us, it feels like philanthropy is gaining more traction among Black communities worldwide.
Spring and Summer 2020 were marked by a series of events which disproportionately negatively affected Black communities. In response, we’ve seen a surge of philanthropic endeavors as evidenced by an increase in Black specific funds created over the last 4 months from corporations, foundations, charitable organizations as well as wealthy well known philanthropists.
Has philanthropy for the black community reached a turning point? I think it has.
How will this important milestone impact the Black Community? To start, we need to understand what philanthropy is exactly. We tend to think that Philanthropy is only the act of wealthy people or corporation donating money to an organization or towards a cause. Let us demystify and examine further.
What is Philanthropy?
The reputable Webster dictionary, defines Philanthropy in the following 3 ways:
- Active desire and effort to promote the welfare of others.
- An act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes.
- An organization distributing or supported by funds set aside for humanitarian purposes.
Why is Philanthropy important and needed in the world?
According to LearningToGive.org, philanthropy is important because it provides opportunities, backs sometimes unpopular or controversial projects and endeavors to gain the widespread support of the general public or the government.
Historically, philanthropy has played a central role in several major social movements. Philanthropists do not answer to the government or to the public, so are able to freely choose the people and projects to receive their support. Philanthropy appears in different forms. We directly benefit from philanthropy by the use of libraries, schools, hospitals, performing arts centers and museums supported by the generosity of philanthropists. Philanthropy may also support scientific research, scholarships, civil rights endeavors, social services and other things beneficial to society.
Recently, SBC was the beneficiary of the philanthropic actions of a community by receiving a laptop courtesy of Troop (HiTroop.com). SBC was in need of a better performing laptop to continue working on its mission online after experiencing several interruptions and technical difficulties.
Troop is an online platform that encourages and facilitates philanthropy in the community. They enable you to discover local organizations doing amazing things in your neighborhood while fulfilling their needs with the community’s assistance. They pride themselves on finding the goods and making taking action easy. Whether you are an organization or a good neighbor, Troop can connect you by helping fulfill your need as a non-profit or satisfy your philanthropic aspirations as an individual while improving the communities you live in. A “win-win-win” situation!
This brings me to the next question.
What type of Philanthropist are you?
In one of their insightful articles, GivingCompass.org outlines 7 archetypes of successful philanthropists that exist across the charitable giving landscape.
Communitarian – Doing Good Makes Sense (26%)
- Believes that doing good in the community makes good business sense.
Devout – Doing Good Is God’s Will (21%)
- Feels it is God’s will to do good; 96% of their giving is to religious purposes.
Investor – Doing Good Is Good Business (15%)
- The investor says that doing good is good business. They are very careful about investigating the organizations they give to.
Socialite – Doing Good Is Fun (11%)
- The Socialite likes having fun in their funding work, and that is the main reason they get involved.
Repayer – Doing Good in Return (10%)
- They feel that they are doing good because the organization has already given them something special.
Altruist – Doing Good Feels Right (9%)
- They give because they believe it is the right thing to do. They are genuinely selfless. They almost always focus on social issues.
Dynast – Doing Good Is a Family Tradition (8%)
- They usually come from affluent families. They grew up in families where there is a tradition of giving.
(Read full article https://givingcompass.org/article/7-types-of-successful-philanthropists/)
Which one of these archetypes best describes you or your corporation?
At SBC, we strive to become a mix of all of these archetypes. Personally, I’m a Communitarian, Altruist and Dynast. You can find out more in my bio on our website Founder’s page.
How will this important milestone impact the Black Community?
Clearly, non-profit organizations rely considerably on philanthropy to advance their agendas and fulfill their mission. Everyone (including corporations) has the potential to play a vital role. Find out which archetype you relate to. Using this insight, align yourself with the type of organization or cause where you want to create the biggest, beneficial and lasting impact.
Or join the many who channel their inner philanthropist by connecting with Foundations, Giving Circles or companies like Troop that already have a pipeline to organizations and causes.
With this sudden spark of philanthropic involvement aimed at benefiting the Black community, much can be gained and meaningful outcomes can be delivered. These funds can and will advance the mission of Black serving & Black-led organizations as they continue to elevate their community and fight against systemic racism and racial inequality.