African American Giving Marybeth Gasman University of Pennsylvania & Nelson Bowman III Prairie View A&M University
African American Wealth Investment in stock market is up 30% 48% own their own home $1.1 trillion in buying power (2015) 18.5% of African American families earn $75, % of African American families earn $100,000+
What are We Losing? Donors Volunteers Advocates
Diversity in Fundraising
“Black philanthropy is based on a communal notion of philanthropy.” - National Center on Black Philanthropy
Beginning in 1600s,a history of self-help and volunteerism By the late 1700s, organized philanthropy takes shape with mutual aid societies By the 1800s, Black church in full swing Sororities, fraternities, elite organizations Civil Rights-oriented philanthropy Today, African American Foundations History
Emergency assistance to family & friends Religion Education & Scholarships Civil rights causes and social issues Health-related causes, including sickle cell, cancer, HIV/AIDS Why African Americans Give and To What Causes
What Motivates African Americans to Give in General Racial uplift Sense of obligation Religious influence Peer & family influence Visible results
Best Approaches Appeals tied to “racial uplift” Personal approaches Connections to clergy Trust Collaborative fundraising
Racial Uplift
Personal Touch
Connecting to Clergy
Trust
Collaborative Fundraising
Blacks give in small amounts over time, and for emergencies Tax benefits are not most important A sense of obligation and commitment to racial uplift drives Black alumni giving Trust is absolutely essential to giving; respond to concrete causes What You Need to Know
Questions to Ask Yourself What percent of your constituients are represented by African Americans? What staff positions support your work targeting African American donors? Which African American affinity groups do you currently target through your fundraising efforts? What have you done so far to reach and engage African American donors?
Contact Information: Marybeth Gasman Nelson Bowman III