Legacy, Leadership, & Love: Why Black Philanthropy Month Matters to Me

By Kari Hudson, Director of Business Development + Client Relations

As a Black woman working in the nonprofit and philanthropy space, Black Philanthropy Month holds a very personal meaning for me. Every August, I am reminded not just of the professional importance of equity in giving, but of the cultural roots of philanthropy within my own family and Black communities.

Black Philanthropy Month is so much more than a month-long celebration of giving to Black-led organizations and highlighting Black philanthropists, although those are two big components; it's about the collective… the community. 

Here are just a few reasons why I love Black Philanthropy Month:

Representation & Visibility

When we hear the word philanthropy, the history of Black philanthropy often gets lost in the mainstream narrative, which tends to focus on wealthy individuals, foundations, and large institutions. Yet, philanthropy has always been deeply embedded in Black communities. From church giving and and giving circles to neighbors pooling resources to support one another, Black philanthropy has always been rooted in community and culture.

Personal Connection to Black Philanthropy

This month also gives me space to reflect on my own family’s ties to philanthropy. Some of my earliest memories are of my mom taking my siblings and me to volunteer (because yes, volunteering is philanthropy too) and to donate money or toys to local drives. I also remember watching both of my parents faithfully write checks to church campaigns and to small organizations working hard to further their missions. Those moments shaped how I understand giving today: as an act of care and community.

Highlighting Black Leaders 

For me, Black Philanthropy Month is empowering because it shines a light on Black leaders in the nonprofit and philanthropic space. Seeing their work recognized gives me both a sense of belonging and reaffirms my work. 

Inspiration and Hope

And perhaps most importantly, Black Philanthropy Month brings inspiration and hope. It reminds me that this work is part of a long, powerful tradition of generosity and impact and continues to shape a more just and equitable future.

For me, Black Philanthropy Month is more than a moment of celebration, it’s a reminder to reflect and recommit. It pushes me to show up with intention, to build authentic partnerships, to use my dollars to uplift communities and to advocate for the kind of change that lasts well beyond this month. Black Philanthropy Month affirms that what I saw modeled in my community is philanthropy and it deserves to be honored.

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Kari is an experienced fundraising professional with a strong background in the nonprofit sector. She has worked with national organizations across the country, building meaningful, long-term partnerships that advance mission-driven work. At Purpose Possible, Kari leads business development through proposals, client engagement, and relationship management, while also supporting the firm’s strategic initiatives and client partnerships.

Leadership In Color

PART I: WHAT LEADERSHIP LOOKS LIKE IN COLOR

By Starsha Valentine
Partner and Mid-Atlantic Managing Director

We’ve all seen the headlines across numerous journals: Black-led nonprofit organizations receive less funding, grow at a slower pace, and are under-resourced compared to their white-led peers. 

As recently as 2019, Echoing Green and Bridgespan’s Racial Equity and Philanthropy report found that “...on average the revenues of the Black-led organizations are 24 percent smaller than the revenues of their white-led counterparts. When it comes to the holy grail of financial support— unrestricted funding—the picture is even bleaker. The unrestricted net assets of the Black-led organizations are 76 percent smaller than their white-led counterparts. The stark disparity in unrestricted assets is particularly startling as such funding often represents a proxy for trust.”

But the disparity goes beyond just dollars and cents. Despite concerted efforts to shift power….