Founded in 2011 by Jackie Bouvier Copeland, Ph.D. of the Pan African Women’s Philanthropy Network, Black Philanthropy Month is celebrated each year during the month of August. The month is an observance of African-descent giving in the United States and worldwide.
August 2019 is a special celebration for Black Philanthropy month as it falls 400 years after the first Africans arrived on American soil. Valaida Fullwood, award-winning author of Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, mentions a phrase commonly used in communities of Black giving: “time, talent, and treasure,” but adds her own spin to it – truth.
“The fourth T is an acknowledgment of the precious and potent nature of bearing witness. That is, to share from our lived experience what we know to be true, even when inconvenient or uncomfortable, as a means to making lives better,” Fullwood writes in a Lilly Family School of Philanthropy article. She commemorates this Black Philanthropy Month with a written piece titled “Truth Be Told” from her book.
“The piece underscores the surviving influence of African philosophies, like Ubuntu, and bears witness to the trials, tribulations, trials, and triumphs of the past 400 years. Biblical references are threaded throughout to illuminate the significance of faith in our giving. Piercing false ideas, the story reminds us philanthropy is deeper than your pockets,” Fullwood states.
Givelify bears witness and includes truth-telling in our business practices by being transparent with the places of worship and non-profit organizations we serve. We show up – face-to-face. You’ll likely see us at conferences across the country spreading the word and the truth of Givelify. We share what we know about giving, and our research is based on truth. When collaborating on projects that further our vision to be the place where giving happens, we uphold integrity – it’s our non-negotiable. Stephanie Gilbert, Talent Acquisition Manager at Givelify, shares her sentiments on truth-telling as a member of our team, “It’s about working together and being accountable, taking responsibility for your share of work and mistakes…seeking to support and advance our team members so that everyone benefits both as individuals and together.”
Givelify extends gratitude to Lilly School of Philanthropy, Valaida Fullwood, Jackie Bouvier Copeland, Ph.D. and others who strive to uplift and inspire Black philanthropy year after year.
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