Benefactors
Building Community. Mobilizing Philanthropy. Creating Impact.
A Partnership between
the Young, Black & Giving Back Institute and
the Greater Washington Community Foundation
Benefactors is a national Black giving collective co-led by the Young, Black & Giving Back Institute and the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Together, we are building community and mobilizing individual philanthropy to invest in Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits across the country.
Benefactors was created to empower individuals who want to invest in Black communities in meaningful ways. By pooling resources, learning together, and participating in a collaborative grantmaking process, members are helping shape the future of Black philanthropy.
Our Mission
Benefactors exists to catalyze the giving capacity of individuals who want to invest in Black communities in meaningful ways. Together, members support Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits while building a community rooted in generosity, learning, and collective action.
Members also gain access to the Young, Black & Giving Back Institute's extensive national network of Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits, creating opportunities to deepen their engagement with impactful organizations and fellow changemakers.
Our Impact
Since launching in 2025, Benefactors has demonstrated the power of collective giving by bringing together individuals committed to investing in Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits.
Together, our members have:
Invested more than $80,000 in unrestricted grants to Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits
Supported 9 Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofit organizations through unrestricted grant funding.
Reviewed more than 300 eligible nonprofit organizations through our community-led grantmaking process.
Supported organizations advancing arts and culture, children and youth, economic empowerment, education, environmental justice, food security, health and wellness, maternal and reproductive health, mental health, mentoring, and other community priorities.
Engaged members directly in every stage of the grantmaking process, from learning about community needs to selecting grant recipients.
Built a growing community of philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers
“To me, Benefactors represents
the future of Black philanthropy”
-Chelsea Brown, Founder & Principal,
The Black Mill Inaugural Benefactors Member
Benefactors is a growing community of philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers who believe in the power of collective giving.
Benefactors members:
Make an annual contribution to a shared grantmaking fund.
Learn about Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits working across the country.
Review grant applications and participate in the grantmaking process.
Help determine which organizations receive funding.
Connect with fellow changemakers who share a commitment to strengthening Black communities.
Through collective giving, members are able to make larger, more strategic investments while learning together and building lasting relationships with others committed to advancing Black philanthropy.
Our Members
George Askew
Amanda Andere
Andrew Moton-Kirkland
Edward Jones
Open Horizon
Aisha Alexander
Ruth LaToison Ifill
Sharifa Love
Melen Hagos
Tiffany Ward
Tonia Wellons
Rahmirah Gardner
Dakari Aarons
Satonya Fair
Ebonie Johnson Cooper
Neema Rwebangira
Join Benefactors
Benefactors is actively recruiting new members who want to make a difference for Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits.
Whether you're beginning your philanthropic journey or looking to deepen your impact, Benefactors offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and invest alongside a community committed to advancing Black philanthropy.
Join us as we build the future of Black philanthropy.