From its inception, Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) was always about the way we harness our giving and community finance traditions to empower ourselves today while creating a better future for Black people everywhere (see Copeland 2014, 2015, and 2020).

An art and a science, I call this Black “space-time”—-how we creatively connect our history and present to innovate and counter Afro-pessimism for a more equitable and just future. Over the years, Afro-futurism has become a cross-sector, interdisciplinary movement across the Black World.

For 2024, BPM is activating contemporary Afro-futurism to help our Movement throughout the US and worldwide imagine and co-create a more powerful future for Black giving and community finance in general. We are asking all community and sector leaders, as well as our allies, to use the occasion of January 15, 2024, Dr. Martin Luther King Day, to start answering three Afro-future questions for the year-round BPM season.

Describe your ideal future for Black giving and/or social finance.
What factors are driving the future of Black giving and social finance available to promote wellness, equity, and justice in Black families, institutions, and communities?
What are three concrete actions that you will take as a change agent in your family, community, workplace, and/or other affiliations during 2024 to increase the chances that your vision of a Black Giving Future comes to fruition over the next five years?

With the support of its partners, over the next 11 months, BPM will provide tools that you can use to map out, celebrate, and share your Black Giving Future. During BPM in August 2024, the world will convene to share and celebrate its collective Black Giving Futures. Also, our leaders from at least 30 countries will craft concrete action steps to make these visions a reality.

There is no denying that we are all navigating a world in escalating crisis. And the challenges of the times are felt more acutely in our communities. But as I always say, the best way to address a crisis is to build the future with all your heart. Black Philanthropy—love of humanity, including Black communities, is our secret power. It helps us dream while living nightmares; it bridges our past and present for a better future.

We have changed the world before. And, tapping our collective power of hope, self-love, and mutual support, we can change the course of history again. Thank you for being the BPM Movement. Together we can create a better tomorrow for our people, society, and the planet we share.

In faith and solidarity,

Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland
Founder
Black Philanthropy Month
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund (WISE)
Reunity: The Global Black Women’s Funding Network

Get involved

💰 Donate to a Black-led Organization

There are many ways to support a Black-led organization during August. Consider contributing to initiatives like the BackBlack campaign, Give 8/28 Day, and international funding movements like WISE Brazil.

📝 Take the Survey

Help us shape the future of Black philanthropy by taking the global futures survey. Share your vision and ideas all throughout August.

📢 Spread the Word

Spread the word about Black Philanthropy month with your network and encourage others to get involved. You can also share our social media posts and use the hashtags #BlackPhilanthropyMonth, #BPM2024, and #AfroFuturesOfGiving.

🥳 Attend an event

There are a number of events happening all around the world in celebration of Black Philanthropy. Join an event live and connect with other global changemakers.

Our current and past partners