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Racial, Ethnic & Tribal Funds

Traditions of giving and philanthropy in racial, ethnic and tribal communities in the U.S. reach back several centuries. Many motives fuel the giving impulse in African American, Asian American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American and Arab American communities. Necessity, self-help, mutual aid, faith, cultural preservation, gratitude, giving back, and financial success each played a part in inspiring this philanthropy.

Today, organizations are forming and expanding to help racial, ethnic and tribal donors and communities to structure their giving for impact. Funds and foundations are a promising and growing tool used to organize racial, ethnic and tribal giving. Sometimes called “ethnic funds,” these are typically public foundations that mobilize the giving resources of a community for that community’s benefit. 

Explore information, stories, profiles and how-to resources on racial, ethnic, and tribal funds.

Materials

• Generations of Generosity (PDF)
  This brochure will explain why grantmaking within communities of color is important, how racial, ethnic and tribal philanthropists structure their giving, and how you can support these donors.
• Toolkit for Racial, Ethnic and Tribal Funds and Foundations
  Collection of models, outlines and questions to ask when starting a racial, ethnic or tribal fund or foundation for community leaders and potential hosts.
• Engaging Diverse Communities
  Provides practical advice to help philanthropic institutions broaden their donor bases, services, and programs. It outlines a straightforward approach to identify, attract, and invite participation by diverse donors.
• The Forum's Work with Racial, Ethnic and Tribal Philanthropy
  Explains why the Forum made racial, ethnic and tribal philanthropy a priority in its work.
• Racial, Ethnic and Tribal Philanthropy: A Scan of the Landscape (PDF)
  An overview of the current state of racial, ethnic and tribal philanthropy. Hard copies are available to order, please contact Courtney Moore (cmoore@givingforum.org or 703-879-0809).

Links

• Asian American Giving
  Asian American Giving promotes stories of individuals engaged in philanthropy, draw attention to the issues in our community, and highlight trends and patterns in charitable giving.
• Pathways for Change: Philanthropy Among African American, Asian American, and Latino Donors in the New York Metropolitan Area
  Looks at the giving patterns, motivations and potential of communities of color in New York City by Coalition for New Philanthropy and CUNY Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, September 2004.
• Emerging Philanthropy in Communities of Color: a Report on Current Trends
  Publication of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, examines the designated funds, philanthropic organizations and giving practices of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans, in order to determine how to best support and expand resources of these communities.
• Racial, Ethnic & Tribal Philanthropy Knowledge Center
  Explore information, stories, profiles and how-to resources about racial, ethnic and tribal philanthropy.

Take Action

• Read the Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Trend Report (PDF)
• Get the Basics
• Read Success Stories
• Explore the Racial, Ethnic, Tribal Knowledge Center