“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African proverb

During 2015, New Generation of African American Philanthropists optimized its philanthropic impact through connections and collaboration with scores of nonprofit organizations in Charlotte and across the country that include: Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte’s African American Community Foundation at Foundation For The Carolinas, Prairie View A&M University, The Denver Foundation, UjimaSouth, Levine Museum of the New South, Mint Museum UPTOWN, On Q Productions, Augustine Literacy Project-Charlotte, The Duke Endowment, AAPIP – Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, D5 Coalition, Kennedy Charter Public School, AFP Charlotte, DAAP – Denver African American Philanthropists, SPIN – Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Buffalo Soldier National Museum, Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Male Leadership Academy of Charlotte, UNC American Indian Center, The Tomorrow Fund for Hispanic Students, Center for Civic Reflection, Hip Hop University, Tom Joyner Foundation and more. Thank you ALL!

Much of 2015 focused on rolling out the IMLS-funded exhibit The Soul of Philanthropy with JCSU and strategizing about our work in 2016 (our 10th year!) and the next decade of our giving circle. Below are photos from 2015, and here’s a quick recap of 2015 (not everything, but most):

2015 In Review

• Community preview forum on The Soul of Philanthropy at The Duke Endowment, January
• Civic Reflection training led by Dr. Elizabeth Lynn at JCSU with circle members, JCSU staff and students, community members, January
• Inaugural opening of The Soul of Philanthropy at JCSU, which included multiple
• programs and events with a cross-section of stakeholders, February
• HBCUs & Black Giving in the 21st Century forum with Tom Joyner Jr., President of the Tom Joyner Foundation at The Mint Museum during the CIAA basketball tournament, February
• Rise and Read Breakfast for Augustine Literacy Project (our 2014 grantee partner), March
• Sponsor of the On Q Performing Arts production of “Unfinished Women” by Aishah Rahman, March
• Panel discussion on The Influence of Identity and Culture on Giving at Levine Museum of the New South, April
• NGAAP-Charlotte marked its 9th anniversary!
• JCSU exhibit closing reception for The Soul of Philanthropy, June
• Strategic planning initiated, June
• Strategic planning retreat at The Male Leadership Academy of Charlotte, July
• Grantmaking in conjunction with the African American Community Foundation, July
• Denver opening of The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit, August
• Monthlong celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, August
• Sponsored and volunteered at the Alpha Phi Alpha National Convention Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon, August
• Pop-up exhibition of The Soul of Philanthropy in Columbia, SC, August
• Sponsor of WTF We Vote Candidates Forum, September
• Pop-up edition of The Soul of Philanthropy opened at Levine Museum of the New South, September
• Celebration of the 4th anniversary of the publication and release of the book Giving Back, October
• Houston opening of The Soul of Philanthropy, October
• Sponsored table at the AFP-Charlotte National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, November
• Changing The World in a Changing World, AFP-sponsored panel discussion in conjunction with the TSOP pop-up, December

All this, plus other countless philanthropic deeds and initiatives of respective members…including the addition of at least a half dozen new members.

Our decennial holds potential to be our biggest, boldest celebration AND demonstration of the power of Black giving! We invite you to join us in a year of conscious giving for social change.