Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) is an annual global celebration and campaign held every August to elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. It was founded in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network.
The month is dedicated to:
- Recognizing and celebrating the legacy and impact of Black philanthropists, past and present.
- Promoting dialogue and action around funding equity and social justice.
- Encouraging giving in all forms—time, talent, treasure and testimony—within Black communities and beyond.
- Highlighting the role of Black-led organizations and movements in driving systemic change.
Each year, BPM has a theme that guides events, webinars, campaigns and storytelling across the globe. It’s a time for individuals, nonprofits, foundations and corporations to reflect on how they support Black communities and to commit to more inclusive and equitable philanthropic practices.
The theme for Black Philanthropy Month 2025 is:
"Sankofa Now! Remember. Reclaim. Rise."
This theme draws from the West African concept of Sankofa, which means "go back and get it". It emphasizes the importance of remembering and reclaiming the rich legacy of Black giving to rise and shape a more just and equitable future.
The theme is a rallying call to:
- Remember the deep roots of Black philanthropy grounded in collective care.
- Reclaim the power and agency of Black-led movements and community investment.
- Rise in the face of challenges to equity and justice, especially as DEI efforts face increasing resistance.
You can learn more about the theme and the movement at Back Black Movement’s website.
Vancity Community Foundation's mission is to work with communities to create the economic, social and environmental conditions to collectively thrive. This year our campaign efforts are focused on amplifying and fundraising for these amazing Black-led and Black-serving organizations that are doing impactful work in their communities.
We invite you to learn about each of these organizations below and join us by making a donation.
Daughters of Hope
Daughters of Hope Resources Society reduces and prevents homelessness by providing wrap-around support services for Black and racialized individuals and families who face unique challenges in accessing dignified housing. They connect individuals to resources that are culturally appropriate, making it possible for their needs to be effectively addressed.
Ethos Lab Educational Society
Ethos Lab Educational Society is on a mission to increase representation in innovation by addressing the needs of diverse youth today in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) by fostering a sense of community, belonging and inclusion through mentorship and programming geared towards young people.
Hogan's Alley Society
Hogan’s Alley Society is dedicated to reclaiming place, belonging and identity for generations to come by advancing the well-being of people of African descent through culturally rooted housing, community development and economic empowerment. They’ve been working to restore Hogan’s Alley by building affordable housing, a Black Cultural Centre, and vital resources that prevent displacement and foster belonging.
Umoja Operation Compassion Society
UMOJA Operation Compassion Society is a charitable and newcomer settlement organization formed in 2002 promoting unity, respect and dignity amongst minority immigrants and refugees. Their culturally attuned, trauma-informed programs are particularly essential for those at risk of socio-economic marginalization based on language and skills gaps, race, cultural and religious background, trauma or perceived status. The society seeks to holistically support integration into Canadian society while upholding each person’s dignity and unique worth to our communities.
At Vancity Community Foundation, we know that any response to the challenges of our time must be rooted in equity and justice, ensuring solutions are led by the community and inclusive of all. If you believe the same, you’ll take heart in the fact that for over 35 years, VCF has operated with the belief that if we work together, we will have the resources we need to build a thriving community.
Vancity Community Foundation aims to work with supporters like yourself to truly distribute power and build thriving communities where lives are dignified, and nature is in balance. At the heart of our new strategic plan is a commitment to be community-led and prioritize funding for those pushed into the margins—specifically Indigenous and Black communities—in all our work, including across our main areas of focus: restoring affordability, climate justice and resilience and connected just communities.
To explore more resources that embody the spirit of the work we do, we invite you to read some of our recent blog articles and the following resources:
VCF blog articles:
- Investing in Black Communities: Conversations with Ethos Lab and Hogan's Alley Society
- Restorative Philanthropy and VCF
Other resources:
- Manifesto for the Eradication of Racial Discrimination
- UNFUNDED: Black Communities overlooked by Canadian Philanthropy
- Foundation for Black Communities
We are grateful for your support of Black communities and the champions within them who work every day to make life better for people. We believe that, together, we can confront these challenges and create positive change—even in turbulent times.