Charlotte giving circle marks 20 years of philanthropy

ALVIN C. JACOBS

New Generation of African American Philanthropy, a Charlotte-based giving circle, is marking its 20th anniversary this month with a new initiative to connect Black community giving to grassroots programs. Reaching 20 years is a testament to what happens when a group decides to trust and invest in the genius of community,” founding member Cathy Peterson said.

Collective philanthropy in Black Charlotte is two decades old.

New Generation of African American Philanthropists, which is marking its 20th anniversary this month, has pooled more than $2.2 million in local grants according to its founders. In addition to advocating for funding, the collective has also amplified the long-standing history of giving in Black Charlotte – which historically took the form of informal settings or through the faith community.

Founded as a giving circle of Black philanthropists and funders to strengthen Black-led nonprofits in Charlotte, NGAAP has grown from 17 members from 2006 to more than 100. The goal, however, hasn’t changed: volunteers advocating funding equity and grassroots giving that doesn’t rely on traditional models of wealthy, corporate-driven charity.

Part of the giving circle’s mission is expanding awareness of philanthropy in the Black community through Black Philanthropy Month, its publication “Giving Back” and multimedia exhibit “The Soul of Philanthropy.” 

“Reaching 20 years is a testament to what happens when a group decides to trust and invest in the genius of community,” founding member Cathy Peterson said. “From our first gathering, we knew that tapping into the spirit of generosity — that has always existed in Black communities — and channeling it with a culturally grounded giving circle would be powerful. Two decades in, we’re proud of what we’ve built together, and we’re just getting started.”

NGAAP is reimagining the scope of philanthropy with The New Trust, a philanthropic intermediary that navigates national and local funding to boost support to community organizations. 

“Support from NGAAP has been more than significant — it has been a lifeline, especially during the last few years,” said Harold Rice, Jr., founder of the Black Social Capital Initiative.  “As programs and resources for Black communities continue to be rolled back, NGAAP’s unwavering commitment as a funding partner has become even more critical.”

Anniversary celebrations include programming and community gatherings, such as The Cookout, Platinum Edition, are planned for later in the year. 

On the Net 
ngaap.org

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