Why We’re Hosting a What’s Next? Takeover – And How You Can Support Black Philanthropy Month in Charlotte

August is Black Philanthropy Month – a time to highlight Black philanthropists and Black-led nonprofits and to acknowledge and support the critical role they play in our communities. Activities for Black Philanthropy Month are spearheaded locally by the New Generation of African American Philanthropists.

On Friday, August 14, Next Stage is passing the mic to NGAAP for the first-ever, special edition, What’s Next? takeover. They will share more about what Black philanthropy means to the Charlotte community and why they launched The Bold Project, a local initiative that elevates the work of Black-led nonprofits. In addition to sharing more about their work, the panel will share ways Charlotte nonprofits can follow the lead of Black-led nonprofits and be better allies.

We’ve talked a lot about what ally-ship looks like during our panels over the last few months. In our June 19 What’s Next? about neighborhood partnerships, Crossroads Corporation Executive Director Tiffany Capers talked about the difference between partnering and allying, and the need for real allies in the fight for racial justice. Of all of our What’s Next? conversations, this is the one that I circle back to most regularly – many nonprofit leaders desire to lead our organizations into good ally-ship, but we are often unpracticed and unsure in our efforts to make it happen.

Beyond the conversation next Friday, Black Philanthropy Month is happening all throughout August. Here are three ways you and your organization can participate:

1. Learn more – data shows that Black-led nonprofits are underfunded across the United States; this trend matters in our community. Valaida Fullwood, a founding member and local leader of NGAAP suggests reading to better understand what is happening and why it matters.
   • The Case for Funding Black-Led Social Change
   • Racial Equity and Philanthropy: Disparities in Funding for Leaders of Color Leave Impact on the Table
2. Follow the conversation – tune in across social media platforms at #BPM2020CLT.
3. Get engaged – find the full list of the month’s activities and conversations here.

We’re grateful to the NGAAP team for their leadership and are excited to learn ways to better support and follow the lead of these organizations next Friday. Register here to join us.