Strengthening the legacy of Black philanthropy (Part 2 of 4)

Where's your money going?

In Part I of this series, I introduced you all to four roles within the African-American philanthropy community: the communicator, the giver, the adviser, and the grant-maker. Last time, we focused on the communicator, and in this article, we will discuss the role of the giver.

It is often asked, "What motivates people to give?" According to a post by Sean Stannard-Stockon, giving is "motivated by humans’ deeply held need to find meaning in life." As mentioned previously, giving has been a cornerstone of the African-American community for centuries. Individuals are no strangers to passing food, money, or items to those community members in need, and community organizations have embraced their crucial role in spreading and encouraging goodwill to others. 

During a recent GChat conversation about giving back, a friend of mine suggested that I speak with his friend, David W., because David was “involved in a lot of things" and is always trying to get others to "do something." I'm sure that people often describe me in the same way so I knew that I had to pick this guy's brain!

As it turns out, David is committed to various causes and involved with a couple of nonprofit boards, including the Primo Center for Women and Children and Power House Charter High School. During our conversation, we talked about the reason why he decided to become involved in his community and give back. Like many other Black professionals, he viewed giving back as a responsibility. “I was provided this fantastic opportunity in life, and I feel like I should give my time and/or finances to try and give a great life to others.” He sums it up best with this viewpoint, “Our community is like a family. And, if there’s somebody who needs help, then I should help them.”

When it comes to selecting an organization, most people tend to select ones to which they have a personal connection. My cause above all causes is multiple sclerosis, as my mother fought the disease for 30 years. David mentions that he tends to give to organizations which have a connection to heart disease, cancer, or sickle cell anemia, as he holds a personal interest in them.

And, it's that advice that David offers to those who tend to hesitate on getting involved with charitable causes, "Pick one thing that you care about and decided how do you want to help. You never know who’s watching and someone may see what you’re doing and decide to get involved as well."

It's such a simple perspective and I honestly hope that more and more young professionals of all backgrounds understand that it doesn't take much to make a difference. Honestly!

Key Takeaway: It doesn't matter if it's $10 or $1000, just give what you can to start the process of giving. It's really not as difficult as it seems, especially if the organization is close to your heart!

Insider's Tip: Volunteering and becoming involved with charitable organizations are great ways to expand your social and professional networks. If you're trying to figure out where to start, you can check out events hosted by NetworkingforaCause.org or The Chicago Associate Board President's Council. They often host events to introduce individuals to various local charitable causes and boards looking for members!

In the next article, I will talk to a philanthropy adviser about some of the long-term challenges and strategies within the Black community. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or want to share your thoughts on why you give back, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment!