Spirit of Abundance:(cont.)
............................................................................................................................
Now philanthropy experts are encouraging us to go one step further--to give
strategically. We can do that by donating to the causes that benefit Blacks and
by demanding a say in how our money is used.
Are You a `Responsible Giver'?
If anyone knows about giving, we do. During slavery, free Blacks pooled their
funds in church and mutual aid societies to feed, clothe and even free other Blacks.
In our 200-year tradition of philanthropy, we have given more to our churches
than to any other cause, funding everything from scholarships and insurance funds
to burial funds, says Black philanthropy scholar Emmett D. Carson, who is the
president and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation, which promotes philanthropy in
the Twin Cities.
"There was a time when most of our giving was prompted by crisis," in
response to emergencies, oppression and disasters, says Carson. He sees us all
as philanthropists even "if you give a dollar to a kid knocking on your door."
Today our giving is more often prompted by a desire to ensure that our organizations--like
the National Urban League, the National Black United Fund, the United Negro College
Fund and the NAACP--can help our people in the coming years.
The next step, Carson says, is for Blacks to become "responsible givers"--to
feel a sense of ownership of the organizations we help.
"As a responsible giver, I'm going to ask for annual reports and go to meetings,"
Carson says. "I'll ask, `What have we accomplished? How does one join the
board of this organization?' As you become involved, an organization will start
to reflect your concerns."
Active involvement will be the message at the second National Conference on Black
Philanthropy, a gathering of individuals and organizations--the National Black
United Fund and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, for instance--seeking to increase
giving among Blacks. Rodney Jackson, the conference organizer, says hundreds are
expected at the next gathering on May 17-19 in Oakland (call [888] 557-3593 for
more information). Attendees will hear from speakers on topics like raising money
and setting up special funds such as church endowments.