August is designated as Black Philanthropy Month, which highlights the culture of giving in African-descended community across the globe. While the term might be new to some, the history of Black philanthropy is deeply rooted in the experiences and values of the Black community. Historically, Black people have shown an unwavering commitment to giving and supporting each other, a practice often overlooked by mainstream scholars and philanthropic organizations.
Black philanthropy is characterized by a collective sense of responsibility to the community, driven by historical experiences of oppression and a desire to uplift and support each other. By recognizing and intentionally leveraging this philanthropic spirit, organizations can tap into a powerful force for social change and community development. This is the spirit and intention of the Lowcountry African American Giving Circle (LAAGC). Formed just two years ago, the LAAGC currently has over $100,000 pledged to its endowment and has awarded its first $10,000 grant.
Black philanthropy in America dates back to the 18th century when freed Black individuals pooled resources to purchase relatives and friends from slavery. These same early Black philanthropists established some of the first Black institutions, including churches, benevolent societies, the Underground Railroad, abolitionist newspapers, and mutual aid and missionary societies. The Free African Society, established in Philadelphia in 1787, was the first recorded mutual aid society, meeting the physical, social, and spiritual needs of Black people. Other mutual aid societies and fraternal organizations followed, playing crucial roles in cultural, economic, and political advancements. The Brown Fellowship Society, founded in 1790 was the earliest known Black mutual aid organization in Charleston. These organizations relied upon securing donations from their members to support families in need, giving back to and uplifting the race.
The Black church, in particular, has played a significant role in the spiritual, cultural, social, educational, political, and philanthropic development of Black Americans. Following emancipation from slavery, the Black church became a central institution, launching schools, orphanages, and other community institutions. Many Black churches founded colleges to educate former slaves and launched mutual aid societies, orphanages, and other vital community services. Black preachers have promoted philanthropy by articulating the needs of the church and encouraging congregants to meet those needs, often supporting social movements like the Civil Rights Movement.
The struggle to overcome oppression has consistently motivated Black giving, with contributions often directed toward issues that impact the daily lives of Black individuals and appeals made by people within their community. Family reunions in the Black community often engage in philanthropy connected to local, state, and national issues. The concept of “family” in the Black community extends beyond immediate relatives to include neighbors, friends, and others, fostering a culture of informal giving that goes unreported in national surveys. This sense of obligation to help less fortunate family members permeates through the Black community, reinforcing the tradition of philanthropy. The Jenkins Orphanage founded in 1891 and the Hospital and Training School for Nurses founded in 1891 are examples of such historic self-help efforts here in the Lowcountry.
Black philanthropic efforts have been a response to historical and contemporary discrimination, from past segregation to current disparities in employment and education. Elite organizations, formed by Black business and professional circles, have also been significant contributors to Black philanthropy. These groups, including women’s organizations like The Links, Incorporated and men’s organizations like Sigma Pi Phi, provide support to other Black institutions such as the United Negro College Fund and the NAACP. Black sororities and fraternities associated with the college-educated segment of the Black community have shown a strong commitment to philanthropy, with programs supporting education, voter registration, health research, and other community needs.
Recent examples of Black philanthropy demonstrate the continued impact of this tradition. Prominent Black philanthropists like Oprah Winfrey, Robert F. Smith, Magic Johnson, and Tyler Perry have used their wealth to support Black institutions such as the NAACP and HBCUs, help marginalized Black youth, and spur leadership development and Black business growth. Organizations like the United Negro College Fund highlight the power of Black solidarity in philanthropy, encouraging giving among Blacks to support scholarships and advocacy for disadvantaged Black individuals.
The legacy of Black philanthropy demonstrates a collective sense of responsibility to uplift the Black community. This generosity has been instrumental in establishing churches and schools, supporting leaders and institutions that advance Black empowerment and civil rights, and undergirding community-based initiatives that serve as catalysts for social change during challenging times. Recognizing this legacy in the face of the social challenges evidenced at the beginning of this decade, a group of Community Stewards were brought together by the Coastal Community Foundation in 2021 to consider forming a Giving Circle. Out of that initiative the Lowcountry African American Giving Circle was created.
The LAAGC seeks to be a catalyst for change addressing the pressing needs of the Black community by leveraging philanthropic efforts, community empowerment, and advocacy. As of this writing the Giving Circle has brought together over 40 Founding Donors who have pledged to pool their financial resources, time and talent to strengthen organizations and empower leadership within African American communities across the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
