Help kick off Lexington’s first Black Philanthropy Week by supporting Black-led nonprofits | Opinion

What does it mean to be a real philanthropist? The ability to make a gift of $1 million, $10 million, or more? At the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative (LBPI) , a Black-led, community advised committee at Blue Grass Community Foundation, we know our community thrives because of the time, treasure and talent all of us can give, regardless of the size of our wallets.

Still, too many of us may think philanthropy is out of our reach, which is why in 2011, Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland with the support from Reunity—formerly the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network — founded Black Philanthropy Month. Celebrated annually in August, Black Philanthropy Month is a global celebration highlighting the contributions of Black philanthropists and the impact of Black-led, Black-serving nonprofit organizations. It invites every one of us to be givers. All we need to do is start where we are, use what we have, and give what we can.

The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative is excited to bring the celebration of Black Philanthropy Month to the Bluegrass with its inaugural Lexington Black Philanthropy Week. This online giving campaign aims to inspire generosity and encourage support for local Black-led, Black-serving organizations in Lexington, and will take place from Monday, Aug. 19 through Friday, Aug. 23.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Lexington Black Philanthropy Week and provide a platform for our community to come together in support of Black-led, Black-serving causes,” said Tiffany Daniels, co-chair of LBPI. “With 26 local nonprofits participating, your donations will make a significant impact on the lives of many in our community and show the power and presence of Black philanthropy in Lexington.”

The Black community is incredibly philanthropic. According to a report by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Black households give 25% more of their income annually than white households, despite the racial wealth gap that puts Black communities significantly behind other racial groups. Nearly two-thirds of Black households donate to organizations and causes, totaling $11 billion each year.

“I feel a profound sense of pride and connection to my community when I think of Black philanthropy,” said initiative member Dr. Carol Taylor. “Often, philanthropy is associated with individuals of substantial means, but my experience on the LBPI board has taught me that every donation, regardless of size, is crucial. These contributions are the lifeblood of countless non-profit organizations in Lexington that are doing indispensable work within the Black community. Each act of giving, no matter how small, plays a significant role in ensuring these organizations can continue their essential missions and thrive.”

Importantly, the culture of giving in the Black community is not limited to monetary donations.

“There is a history of giving in the Black community—from benevolence and love offerings shared in houses of faith, to large national efforts that powered the civil rights movement,” said LBPI committee member Christian Motley.

For centuries, the Black community has embraced and understood the word “philanthropy” does not fully embrace the diverse nature of giving and is actively engaging in supporting and creating solutions to make life better for everyone.

“When I hear the phrase ‘Black philanthropy’, I think of people like Prince, Beyoncé, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis, Paul Robeson, and countless others who do what they can do make a difference,” said LBPI member DeBraun Thomas. “People using their platforms to give in ways that others can’t so we all can thrive and not just survive. Giving financially is not the only way to make a change and have an impact on Black prosperity, but it is still needed.”

We can all be philanthropists by giving during Lexington Black Philanthropy Week! Donating is quick and easy: visit LEXBPW.org starting on Monday, Aug. 19, at 9am to make a gift of $10 or more. And with $40,000 in matches and prizes available, your donations can make an even bigger impact!

“One of our key goals during Lexington Black Philanthropy Week is raising the profile of Black-led, Black-serving organizations, giving the community insight into their good work and how, as a result, all of Lexington benefits,” said initiative member Sharon Clark. “When we strengthen understanding, belonging and inclusion, it improves the quality of life for the whole community.”

Alison Jackson is Associate Director of Board and Community Relations at the Blue Grass Community Foundation, which houses the Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative.