Black Philanthropy Month: Remember. Reclaim. Rise.
August is a time to take a deeper look at how philanthropy impacts Black communities both here in the U.S. and around the world.
As we move through August, many of us are adjusting to changes in our summer routines with children, and in some cases grandchildren, heading back to school. While we try to fit in those last family trips and social gatherings, this season is also a reminder of the importance of family, legacy, and education, particularly as it impacts African American communities. For those of us who work in or are connected to the philanthropic field, August is also a time to take a deeper look at how philanthropy impacts Black communities both here in the U.S. and around the world.
August is Black Philanthropy Month (BPM). Established in 2011, BPM is a global celebration of Black giving, leadership, and investment in communities of African descent. It builds on centuries of tradition in Black communities of giving, self-help, and innovation, while also calling for increased funding for Black-led nonprofits.
The theme for BPM 2025 is “Sankofa Now: Remember. Reclaim. Rise.” Sankofa is a concept from the Akan culture in Ghana that emphasizes the importance of looking back in order to move forward. The theme invites us to:
- Remember: Reflect on the rich history of Black philanthropy and honor the legacy of past generations.
- Reclaim: Reclaim power and agency within Black communities to sustain and support Black-led initiatives.
- Rise: Invest in Black communities, their solutions, and their future so that we move forward together.
At its heart, Sankofa calls us to learn from our past so we can build a stronger future.
Indiana Blacks in Philanthropy: Looking Ahead
This message resonates with the work of Indiana Blacks in Philanthropy (IBIP). Formed in 2007 by a dedicated group of Black philanthropic professionals in and around Indianapolis, IBIP’s mission is to educate, empower, strengthen, and support the development of Blacks in Indiana’s communities by identifying, complementing, and mobilizing the full spectrum of philanthropic resources and services.
For many years, IBIP has been a space where Black philanthropic professionals across Indiana could convene, exchange ideas, find support, and discuss ways in which our mission could become a reality. Guided by this year’s BPM theme, IBIP is looking back to move forward. Taking to heart this year’s theme of BPM, IBIP will look to our past to build a better future.
In 2027, IBIP will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Planning for this milestone will begin in 2026, and we want to make sure that everyone who has been part of IBIP, as well as new members, has a role in this celebration.
How to Get Involved
If you have attended an IBIP meeting in the past, or if you are new and want to learn more, please let us know by using the link below.
If you know someone working in philanthropy who should be part of this network, please invite them to connect as well.
Together, we can honor the spirit of Sankofa by remembering, reclaiming, and rising into the future of Black philanthropy in Indiana.
To learn more about Black Philanthropy Month and related initiatives, you can explore the following resources:
