Black philanthropy is quietly filling the unmet needs of underserved groups. Small to large nonprofits are working to shape social change.

The extent of Black philanthropy and the change it brings to society is not generally known. Some large nonprofit organizations are familiar, like the National Society of Black Engineers, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Girls Who Code. However, hundreds of smaller nonprofits, some local and some national, are achieving remarkable results as they work within communities for racial justice and equality. This is a tribute to these organizations and the people with a vision of shaping social change.

Making a Vision Come True by Filling a Need

Ujamaa Place provides a holistic transformation for young African-American men experiencing inequity due to race and poverty. Located in Saint Paul, MN, it operates on the principle of its evidence-based Theory of Transformation. The Transformation embraces housing, education, career acquisition and retention, family connections, emotional and social traumas, and elimination of contact with the Criminal Justice system. Participants are empowered to be change agents in their communities. Ujamaa Place has served 6,000 men who have a 4% rate of recidivism compared to the state rate of 35%. The young men share their stories on ujamaaplace.org, about wanting to give up but finding the help needed to succeed.

The nsoro Educational Foundation, founded by Darrell Mays, works with young people aging out of the foster care system to alter the “predictable” path. Nsoro offers educational opportunities and a community of support. The organization's mission is to provide access to and attainment of post-secondary education. A scholarship includes mentoring in emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and workforce readiness. The website nsoro.foundation shares that its work has achieved an 81% graduation rate among 435 participants but notes that 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year. Nsoro has awarded $4.3 million in scholarships and college preparatory programs. A class example is the 2021-2022 class of 55 graduates who were 72% Black, 19% Latinx, 8% Caucasian, and 1% other. Forty percent (40%) earned degrees in STEM, 33% in social sciences, 18% in business, 7% in performing arts, and 3% in education.

The Lantern Network (lanternnetwork.org), founded in Irvine, CA, offers mentorship to college students, an entrepreneurship program for new Black entrepreneurs, and the production of high-quality streaming stores to inspire underserved youth across the country. The main offices are now in Brentwood, TN, and the nonprofit has formed partnerships with some of the country’s largest corporations, such as Deloitte, Hyundai, and J.D. Power. Started in 2020 to work with the “underestimated,” the Lantern Network has already served 288 mentees nationwide and provided 251 internship and job shadowing opportunities to college students and early professionals.

With a mission of advancing Black communities one gift at a time, the Kansas City G.I.F.T. nonprofit (kansascitygift.org) awards grants to Black-owned businesses in low-income neighborhoods. These are mostly historically redlined neighborhoods. KC G.I.F.T. was started in 2020 and has given out $1,237,000 to 63 Black-owned businesses, creating 100 new jobs. Of the 63 businesses, five of nine applying for traditional bank loans have been approved. The nonprofit developed the Black Business Market, a product-based platform, and opened a business center on 50th & Prospect.

Started by single mother Kenita Smith, H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People be Empowered) (hopbe.org) assists single parents in Georgia financially while attending an accredited college or university if they were employed for at least six months before applying. The financial assistance includes money for rent or mortgage payments and licensed childcare providers. H.O.P.E also offers one-on-one budget coaching, professional counseling, and social services. Participants have an 80% graduation rate. Smith was inspired by her personal difficulties as a low-income single mother working on a college degree.

The Pointters Community Initiatives (PCI) in Menasha, WI, is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering African Americans, refugees, immigrants, and other minorities through comprehensive workforce development and fostering mental health and well-being. PCI was started in 2017 by Dimeji Tomori, an African immigrant, as a grassroots campaign after he lost his job during the COVID pandemic and was unable to find new employment, making him acutely aware of the challenges African Americans and other minorities faced before being able to establish themselves in a community. To date, PCI has served over 800 high school students and made 35 job placements. Five programs are now offered: Workforce Development, Mental Health Services, Refugees Support Services, Soccer Without Boundary, and Social Connection for Seniors, which you can read more about at pointters.org.

Inspired by Life Experiences

Achieving social change is a testament to the relentless work of tens of thousands of people who give their time, energy, and resources. These Black philanthropic organizations are just a small sample of grassroots organizations' critical work and astonishing success. Some work locally, while others have achieved a national role. They all achieve measurable and impressive results with limited funding that elevate people and communities. They rely on private and corporate donations. Black families donate 25% more of their annual income than white households. Two-thirds of African-American households donate $11 billion annually to organizations and causes. *

The Black philanthropy organizations mentioned serve people in many ways – emotionally, financially, entrepreneurially, educationally, and socially. They see a barrier as something to cross. There is not enough room to mention all the organizations, but they exist in every city, county, and state. A desire for social justice and equality is the driving force, but they have another thing in common. Community-based organizations were started by people leveraging their life experiences to help others succeed, creating a powerful network of change.