"A Legacy of Collective Power"

L. Robert Bolling, Ujima Legacy Fund member and Giving Black® steering committee member said, "We are truly in the times of racial truth-telling and reconciliation. The story of Black philanthropy is a story of truth that repels the myth that Black giving is minimal and singly directed. Our gifts of treasure are broad, deep, plentiful and precious." At CVA, we couldn't agree more!

Richmond's history is often told without the contributions of many Black Richmonders, including the history of black philanthropy. Despite the horrific repression and history of white supremacy in our region, African Americans have maintained a deep legacy of supporting the community that dates as far back as the founding of the first Baptist church in 1841 and the creation of The Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers, the largest and most successful black business enterprise in the United States between 1881 and 1910.

Today, we have Giving Black which aims to inform our community on Black resources, trends, interests, and behaviors; to reform the relationship of Black philanthropists to philanthropy; and to transform the narrative of Black philanthropists. The current goals are to:

• Increase the engagement of Black donors involved in local philanthropic efforts by strengthening donor networks.

• Build awareness of Black philanthropic practice and opportunities to increase Black donors’ effectiveness by removing barriers to full philanthropic participation and

• Develop connections between Black philanthropists and Black-led organizations and philanthropic entities to become agents of change and positively impact the lives of children and families in Greater Richmond communities.

CVA joins the committed effort to support the philanthropic initiatives, charities, and nonprofit organizations to guarantee a better Richmond for everyone! Read the Giving Black Impact Report.