Black Philanthropy: Our Stories

How do you raise more money without operating from scarcity? Dr. Tim Lampkin, founder and CEO of Higher Purpose , shares how unapologetic fundraising, stronger donor relationships, and investing in Black communities across the South can unlock greater impact. Learn why asking for what you truly need, even if it means adding an extra zero to your original ask, may be the key to moving your communit...

What ideas are keeping you up at night? You know, the ideas you just can't shake. You have two options: do nothing, or take steps to engage the idea to see where it takes you and where you can take it. Ineza Mutimura , Co-Founder and CEO of Funders of African Descent (FOAD), acted on an idea that has grown into a global network of funders of African descent. In this episode, she walks you through...

Marc Philpart , President and CEO of the Black Freedom Fund , shares how nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and changemakers can build lasting power even when philanthropic support becomes inconsistent. Drawing from the Black Freedom Fund's ambitious $250 million campaign, Marc explores endowment building, sustainable fundraising, leadership development, community organizing, and the importance of pl...

Olumide "Mide" Akerewusi, founder of AgentsC . and creator of the Giving Black Network challenges the misconception that Black communities neither participate in nor lead climate justice advocacy.  With more than 30 years in fundraising, Mide explores the connections between Black philanthropy, climate justice and action and self-determination within the African diaspora.. Learn how Black climate...

What can you learn from a leader investing millions in Jewish BIPOC communities? Ilana Kaufman , President and CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative (JOCI), shares how strategic philanthropy expands opportunity, develops leaders, and addresses funding gaps affecting Jewish communities of color across the United States. Ilana Kaufman also challenges the myth that Jewish people of color are rare, expl...

Happy 50th Episode! Here, Angelique Power , President & CEO of the Skillman Foundation , shares how relationship building, bridge building, forgiveness, civic engagement, and community leadership can help you navigate polarization, connect across differences, and lead with purpose. Drawing on her experience as a Black and Jewish woman, Angelique also reflects on Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Day...

Funders tell nonprofits to collaborate with other nonprofits. Are funders collaborating with other funders? Joanna Jackson , President & CEO of the Weingart Foundation , explains why institutional philanthropy is stronger when funders work together, trust community expertise, and pursue racial, social, and economic justice through shared commitment and partnership. More resources at  blackphilanth...

Is voting enough to create the change you want to see? If you're waiting until Election Day to get involved, you may be waiting too long. Discover why political giving, grassroots fundraising, and civic engagement matter long before a ballot is cast. In this episode, Wilmot Collins , former mayor of Helena, Montana, and the first Black Mayor in Montana, shares how community philanthropy, small-dol...

Need a career change or wondering how to find your purpose? National fundraising auctioneer Subyn Novelle shares how she transformed uncertainty into a purpose-driven career, raising millions for nonprofits. Discover lessons on philanthropy, leadership, abundance mindset, resilience, personal growth, and creating a meaningful legacy.   More resources at  blackphilanthropypodcast.com Social Media F...

Are you still presenting your nonprofit as a need instead of a resource? Then you are likely wasting time trying to convince the wrong people to fund you. Floyd Jones , Founder of BackBlack and Global Chair of Black Philanthropy Month, challenges you to rethink your approach, recognize your value, and build relationships with people who are ready to invest in what you bring to the table. More reso...

Are you putting your biggest goals on hold because they feel impossible? Or does the pressure to pick just one path keep you from moving forward? Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland refused to do either. Hear how she overcame the haters, founded Black Philanthropy Month anyway, and co-built a movement reaching more than 100 million people, while refusing to let the world reduce her to a single talent, tit...

Tired of hearing philanthropic organizations say they can't find diverse talent? We are too. Help is on the way. Dr. Jocelynne Rainey , President & CEO of Brooklyn Org , shares how their $100,000 investment in their own paid fellowship program is helping Brooklyn Org build its own talent pipeline. Learn how to create leadership pathways, strengthen recruitment, and develop future philanthropy lead...

Are your fundraising strategies keeping up with today's donors? Dr. Marguerite McClinton Stoglin , Senior Vice President and Philanthropic Strategist at Bank of America, breaks down key findings from the 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy , revealing why personal values drive giving, why volunteers become stronger donors, how families make charitable decisions, and why engaging younger gen...

Why wait for others to act when you can be the first to move?   Odile Tevie shares how, in the absence of institutional support, she abandoned a secure career in finance to co-found and co-invest her own philanthropic resources into the Nubuke Foundation (Accra, Ghana) where Ghanaian artists create on their own terms and in their own voices. Discover how to become a first-mover leader, support eme...

Learn how in-kind giving can help nonprofits solve real-world challenges. Travon Jackson , National Planning Director   of the Black Planning Institute (BPI), shares his approach to philanthropy through in-kind services and offers guidance on incorporating donor-advised funds into nonprofit fundraising plans. More resources at blackphilanthropypodcast.com . Social Media Follow  @ blackphilanthropy...

Should funding be awarded based on community impact and mission alignment, or on an organization's ability to navigate complex grant applications and reporting demands?  Michael Romy Greer , President and CEO of ArtsFund , challenges cumbersome funding processes by sharing strategies that make grant funding easier to apply for, receive, and steward. Meanwhile, artists learn why their work is worth...

You don't have to control capital to create change. You can advise the people who do. In this episode, Dr. Nicole Bates , Senior Advisor of Executive Strategy & Initiatives at Pivotal , shares how to impact philanthropy through trust, relationship building, and strategic connection. Learn how to center women, lead with love, and drive collaborative, high-impact transformation. More resources at bl...

In this Father's Day Season 2 premiere, Season 1 and Season 2 guests and listeners ask one other candid questions on fatherhood, philanthropy, equity, and strengthening Black communities giving you real strategies to lead, serve, and create impact around the world.  More resources at  blackphilanthropypodcast.com . Social Media Follow  @ blackphilanthropyourstories   &  @ michelle.renee.jackson  (...

In this Season 1 finale, released the week of Juneteenth, discover how the urgency to preserve Black history is as old as American history, and why philanthropy plays a critical role in protecting Black history.  As funding for Black-led initiatives declines, Brent Leggs , Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund , shares how he and his team have raised over $200 mi...

While it's trendy (or was) to talk about creating safe spaces of belonging in philanthropy, too often the needs of Black men in philanthropy are forgotten. Pressure from community, family, career, or sudden unemployment to be everything to everybody at all times is exhausting. Where can they go to breathe and be themselves? Damion Wilson , co-facilitator of The Collective, a community created for...

As the New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP) celebrates its 20th anniversary, co-founder Valaida Fullwood helps you understand how to reclaim the practice of "Giving Black," however you identify. Gain insights from her work as an author and exhibit creator. Learn from her expertise in Black philanthropy and collective giving and discover why starting your own giving circle can...

When no one around you gets it, everything feels harder. Birgit Smith Burton founded the African American Development Officers Network (AADO) in 1999 to change that, growing from 25 members to nearly 7,000 fundraising professionals of color. No matter how you identify, there's a place for you at AADO. In this episode, learn how building a strong fundraising network can reduce isolation and help yo...

Declining local news not only weakens access to reliable information and community accountability, it also threatens democracy.  Dale Anglin , Executive Director of Press Forward , shares how she's helped move $400M in philanthropic funding to support local journalism through non-partisan funder collaboration. Learn why new funding models and your philanthropy are needed to sustain trusted news an...

The biggest generational wealth transfer in history is happening now and traditional fundraising strategies will fail you. Are you ready? Dr. Kevin Thompson , an advancement leader at the University of Washington and Seattle University, explains how donor trends are shifting and how you can engage next-generation donors who prioritize impact, accountability, and purpose so you and your community d...

As arts and culture funding is increasingly labeled risky and continues to decline nationwide, the Mellon Foundation remains the largest funder of arts and humanities in the U.S., allocating $500m+ annually under the leadership of its president, Dr.  Elizabeth Alexander . Feminist, mother, poet, and scholar, Dr. Alexander discusses the relationship between philanthropy and artists, the people and...