Black Philanthropy Month

Our President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey recently sat down with Chevelle Dixon, the founder and managing director of Pan-African Solutions Consulting LLC, and Dr. Meisha Porter, Bronx Community Foundation’s President & CEO for a conversation hosted by The Association of Fundraising Professionals New York City Chapter in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.

There are many ways to participate in Black Philanthropy Month that go beyond monetary giving. This year’s theme of Love and Action inspires us to “envision a field that moves beyond the rhetoric of philanthropy as love for humanity to make it real in Black communities.”

As nonprofit leaders, a great way to show your support during Black Philanthropy Month is by learning more about the intersections between race and philanthropy. Whether on your commute to work or during an evening stroll, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged as you enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

Our Board Member Lawanna Kimbro, Managing Director of the Stardust Fund, shared with us her thoughts on the meaning of philanthropy—acknowledging its history of harm—and the critical need to center community in this work.

In her monthly column, Brooklyn Community Foundation President and CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey shares reflections and stories of impact from our work across Brooklyn.

Our Board Member Michelle DeFossett, Chief Operating Officer of Girls Who Invest, shared with us her thoughts on the significance of philanthropy as a means to address injustices of the past.

Our Board Member Ingrid Benedict, Director of the Daphne Foundation, shared with us her thoughts on the meaning of philanthropy and the opportunity it provides for community engagement.

Brooklyn Community Foundation is thrilled to celebrate Black Philanthropy Month. Throughout August we're highlighting leaders within our own organization—and we encourage you to follow the hashtag #bpm2022 on social media and pledge your support for Black-led nonprofits across Brooklyn!

"From that moment on, I was destined to follow my heart, to continue to live my truth as a Black gay man, to always stand up for what I saw as right, even if I stood alone." - Uchechukwu Onwa