Giving circles have long brought people and communities together. Black giving circles, in particular, build on traditions of giving that have been a part of the Black culture for generations.
Historically, Black giving circles supported philanthropies that address systemic inequities and foster opportunities, empowering Black communities through collective action. Today, Black giving circles are creating lasting, generational change for Black communities across the country.
Ahead, we discuss the impact and legacy of Black giving circles in the U.S. We also address how Robert F. Smith is making a lasting impact in Black communities through his philanthropy.
The Legacy of Black Giving Circles
The legacy of Black giving circles stems from a long history of mutual aid and philanthropy in Black communities. Black mutual aid societies were created in the 18th and 19th centuries to fight against injustice and support education, healthcare, financial stability and other needs of Black communities. These efforts became the foundation for today’s Black giving circles, in which people share ideas, pool resources, solve problems and, ultimately, strengthen communities and create positive change.
Notable Black Giving Circles
Several notable Black giving circles making an impact include:
- The Black Philanthropy Circle (BPC): Indiana University alumni and friends launched the BPC to support initiatives that uplift Black communities. BPC builds programs that improve recruitment, retention and degree attainment of Black students, faculty and staff at Indiana University. Members also combine their resources to fund scholarships, programs and other projects that address inequities and promote long-term success.
- The Philadelphia Black Giving Circle (PBGC): The PBGC strengthens Black communities in Philadelphia by funding nonprofit organizations that focus on improving education and economic opportunity and causes that support social justice. Its members aim to create a collective voice for philanthropy while inspiring more giving within the local Black community.
- Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) Giving Black® Cincinnati: The GCF funds organizations and initiatives in Cincinnati that address systemic disparities and empower Black residents. This giving circle also encourages conversations about the importance of Black philanthropy and collective giving.
- Baltimore Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Giving Circle: This giving circle supports programs and organizations that improve the quality of life for Black residents in Baltimore. Members collaborate to identify community needs, focusing on education, healthcare and economic opportunities and invest in solutions through grants that aim to create lasting change in those areas.
- Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs (SPIN): SPIN is the first all-Black, women-led giving circle in Denver, Colorado. SPIN focuses on funding initiatives benefiting Black women, girls and families. Based on belief in the power of collective impact, SPIN members pool their resources and invest in projects that promote self-sufficiency, education and leadership.
Smith’s Impactful Philanthropy
Smith’s philanthropy reflects the values he learned from his parents. Growing up in Denver, he saw his parents donate to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) monthly, regardless of their financial situation. He has since made major contributions to uplift and support the Black community, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to preserve Black history for generations to come. In addition, Smith eliminated the student loans of Morehouse College’s 2019 graduating class and the debt held by their parents on their behalf, aiming to give these students the opportunity to make critical early life decisions without crippling college loan debt. Two years later, he formed Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) to ensure students had the resources they needed to pursue STEM degrees without the burden of student debt.
In 2017, he became the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge, in which he committed to giving a majority of his wealth to charity throughout his lifetime. Read Smith’s Giving Pledge letter.
Learn more about how philanthropy can inspire change by following Smith on LinkedIn.
