August is Black Philanthropy Month. Explore these African American Charitable Initiatives Making a Difference Today.
What is Black Philanthropy Month?
Black Philanthropy Month is a global movement founded to elevate, celebrate, and grow giving by people of African descent—money, time, networks, and advocacy—year-round. Learn more and act through Black Philanthropy Month’s “Back Black” campaign.
The impact of Black philanthropy (data you should know)
- Nearly two-thirds of Black households donate each year, contributing about $11 billion annually to community organizations and causes. (The Washington PostTides)
- Black households give a higher share of income than white households—about 25% more, despite the racial wealth gap. (The Washington PostTides)
- A 2025 analysis from Indiana University found organizations serving communities of color received 2.9% of all U.S. charitable contributions in 2022—highlighting an opportunity to close the gap between generosity and where dollars land. (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy)
- Black giving is expressed through churches, mutual aid, and giving circles—traditions documented in the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Cultures of Giving report.
How to Support During Black Philanthropy Month (and beyond)
- Give: One-time or monthly donations to Black-led/Black-serving orgs.
- Volunteer: Offer time and skills (events, mentoring, boards).
- Join a giving circle: Pool resources for greater impact.
- Share: Elevate organizations on social, email, and at work.
- Advocate: Support equity-centered policies and data transparency (e.g., Demographics via Candid).
Black Led and Black Serving Non-Profits in Cincinnati to Support
All-In Cincinnati Coalition
720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 120, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
513-241-2880
[email protected]
All-In Cincinnati is a community-driven initiative focused on racial equity and economic mobility for Black women and their families. The coalition brings together government, nonprofits, donors, and community leaders to address housing, education, health, and justice inequities. From 2019 to 2024, achievements include advancing affordable housing, pay equity, broadband access, racial healing, and reduced recidivism while building a co-governance model now scaling nationally.
Cincinnati African American Chamber
2303 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
513-751-9900
[email protected]
The African American Chamber of Commerce fosters economic empowerment across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky by establishing, cultivating, and strengthening consumer and business relationships. The organization provides more than 120 programs, events, and workshops annually—including business education, marketing programming, and structured networking—to support entrepreneurship and capacity building. Founded in 1996, the Chamber creates access to corporate and government markets, advances regional supplier diversity, and develops hyper-growth curricula for minority-owned businesses.
Related Article: Giving Tuesday: Supporting Black-led and Black-Serving Causes
Cincinnati Black Giving Circle
720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 120, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
513-241-2880
[email protected]
The Cincinnati Black Giving Circle (CBGC), launched through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, unites Black donors to accelerate social change. CBGC amplifies the impact of Black philanthropy by pooling resources for Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits addressing poverty and inequity. Grants awarded have supported family support and educational organizations, fueling growth, staff expansion, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Cincinnati NAACP
3494 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (Avondale)
513-281-1900
[email protected]
The Cincinnati National Association for the Advancement of Colored People leads grassroots advocacy in Hamilton County to eliminate racial, economic, educational, and housing disparities through local committees and member-driven activism. Founded in 1915, the branch empowers community members via voter education, complaint referrals, youth programs like ACT-SO, and public forums. Local initiatives include health fairs, legal redress support, environmental justice advocacy, and legislative awareness campaigns countering school arming and voter suppression bills.
Corinthian Baptist Church
1920 Tennessee Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (Norwood)
513-221-7351
[email protected]
Corinthian Baptist Church nurtures spiritual growth through worship services, Bible study, youth and children’s ministries, music, and outreach initiatives. Senior Pastor KZ Smith presides over the church’s expansion from 250 to 1,200 members and established ministries such as Children’s Church, Youth and Adult Praise Dancers, 55 Plus Fellowship, and Solid Rock Investment Club. Community leadership includes roles with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and Ekklesia Development, reflecting cultural significance and civic engagement.
Related Article: Cincinnati Black Media Outlets and Radio Stations
From Fatherless to Fearless
PO Box 8402, West Chester, Ohio (West Chester)
[email protected]
From Fatherless to Fearless empowers young women navigating absent or strained father relationships through mentorship, education, and trauma-informed care. The organization’s B.R.I.D.G.E. curriculum addresses emotional, financial, and mental health, supporting girls in overcoming barriers. The nonprofit has expanded services, reaching 250+ girls while increasing its funding fivefold and creating a sustainable impact.
IV Charis
2418 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Mt. Healthy)
513-549-3743
[email protected]
IV-CHARIS (Compassionate Hearts Assisting Restoring Instructing and Serving) facilitates mental and social wholeness through trauma-informed, culturally competent programming. The organization provides the only faith-based, minority-led HIV and Hepatitis C counseling, testing, referral, and trauma services in Cincinnati. Community impact includes outreach to 40,000+ individuals, leadership in federal AIDS policy, statewide HIV screening initiatives, research partnerships, and trauma-healing in churches and schools.
St. Andrews Episcopal Church
1809 Rutland Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207 (Evanston)
513-531-4337
[email protected]
Founded in 1894, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is one of Cincinnati’s oldest historically Black congregations. The church supports the community in Evanston via a food pantry, online and in-person worship, and Justice Hub outreach efforts. The congregation promotes spiritual embrace, social justice, and diverse fellowship through inclusive worship and local activism.
Related Article: Cincinnati Little Free Libraries are Improving Child Literacy.
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
3458 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (Avondale)
513-281-9955
[email protected]
The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio empowers communities through workforce development, advocacy, and business development programs. In 2024, ULGSO served 1,608 clients, facilitated over $9 million in capital infusion. The Holloman Center for Social Justice advances efforts in systemic equity and police reform.
Give. Volunteer. Share. Celebrate Black Philanthropy Month by choosing at least one Cincinnati organization above and taking action today. Then set a reminder to keep supporting all year long—because sustained giving builds sustained change.
Get Involved
To get involved this Black Philanthropy Month, consider contributing to the ongoing work of non-profit organizations that are making a tangible impact on societal issues. Whether through volunteering at local charities or supporting community foundations that focus on community development, all efforts can help address pressing community needs.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
