Many Voices One Movement

Black Philanthropy Month is a time to honor the enduring legacy of generosity, leadership, and collective action within Black communities. Across the Philanos network, Affiliates are celebrating in meaningful ways, from community events and partnerships to investments that strengthen Black women, girls, and families.

Here's a few examples:

• The African American Women's Giving and Empowerment Circle (AAWGEC) exemplifies that tradition by bringing women together to invest their time, talent, and resources to improve the lives of African American women and girls throughout Arizona. As a Philanos Affiliate and a giving circle of Philanos Partner, Arizona Community Foundation, AAWGEC demonstrates how collective giving empowers communities and inspires lasting impact. 

• An inspiring example of collaboration between two Philanos Affiliates took place in Howard County, Maryland. On August 4, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and the Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County, both funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County, co-hosted their annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour. The event brought together donors, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and residents to celebrate the rich tradition of Black generosity while inspiring deeper engagement in local philanthropy. The gathering highlighted the power of collaboration across giving circles and created space for meaningful conversations about collective giving, community leadership, and investing in lasting change. "Black Philanthropy Month is an opportunity to celebrate the generosity, leadership, and legacy that have always existed within Black communities," said Candace Dodson-Reed, Chair of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and a member of the Black Philanthropy Circle Board. "By coming together across our philanthropic networks, we strengthen relationships, amplify our impact, and demonstrate that collective giving is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in our communities. We hope our annual celebration inspires other Philanos affiliates to build partnerships that honor diverse voices, strengthen communities, and expand the culture of generosity."

• We also celebrate SisterFund, a Philanos Affiliate and giving circle of the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond (VA) for a Greater Richmond. SisterFund brings together African American women to invest in organizations that support the education, leadership, health, and economic success of Black women and girls. Their commitment reflects the enduring legacy of Black philanthropy and the transformative power of giving together.

These stories represent just a few examples of the extraordinary work happening across the Philanos network every day. Black Philanthropy Month reminds us that collective giving is about more than grants. It is about building relationships, elevating community leadership, and creating lasting change together. As Philanos Affiliates continue to strengthen and expand the culture of generosity in their own communities, they are also contributing to a larger movement that demonstrates the power of women, collective giving, and philanthropy to transform lives. Together, our many voices truly are one movement.