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August 6, 2026
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The Power of the Pivot: Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future of Black Philanthropy

August 6, 2026

By Lisa J. Baxter

Black philanthropy is, and always has been, powerful and ahead of its time. Structured by ancestral lineage, rooted in spirituality, and steeped in community, it is fueled by the intrinsic belief that we are one another’s keepers. As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, we pay homage to our history, honor our achievements, and prepare for the urgent work ahead.

As leaders, we choose every day to show up for our organizations. That choice becomes daily practice, and that discipline is serving the greater good, especially in times of deep uncertainty. My mother used to say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” That will is exactly why Black philanthropy blooms wherever it is cultivated. It holistically addresses the community’s needs beyond the monetary. It develops and empowers future generations, reminding the world that this work is long-standing, born from the historical exclusion of Black communities. This is not just fundraising; it is social justice, community organizing, and true transformation. It is a raising of consciousness about the systems that African Americans have built to propel mutual caring and generosity.

5 Black Philanthropy-Inspired Change Strategies

The strategies for navigating change from this month’s Black Philanthropy fireside chat beautifully align with the Cause Selling Cycle :

1. Lead with Purpose During Times of Change

The leadership required of us today is anchored in purpose, trust, and self-determination. In shifting times, your strategic approach matters. Every decision must prioritize the success of the collective community, mission integrity, core values, and anticipated impact.

2. Build Authentic Relationships That Endure

Authentic, trust-based relationships are the bedrock of organizational success, echoing Phase Two of the Cause Selling Cycle. True community requires sacrifice, time, patience, and intentionality. Embracing this process is the difference between settling for transactional exchanges and cultivating transformational partnerships.

3. Embrace Innovation While Honoring Traditions

In an era of global shifts and rapid AI advancement, philanthropy remains in constant flux. True innovation in the Black community rarely means abandoning our roots; it is a brilliant reframing of how we honor tradition while seizing emerging opportunities. Balancing calculated risks with modern solutions will continue to elevate our work.

4. Develop and Empower Future Leaders

Developing and empowering future generations ensures our rich history of giving continues without interruption. Organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Los Angeles (AFP-GLAC) provide vital blueprints through mentorship and fellowship programs. These initiatives build sustainable pathways for professional growth and long-term organizational resilience.

5. Advance Collective Impact Through Collaboration

Leveraging shared resources and locking arms allows us to dismantle heavy, systemic barriers while uplifting the community. We cannot operate in silos. We are, and always will be better together.

Reflection Question: Strategies are only as good as the actions they inspire. How will these insights call you to take action?

Where We’ve Been: A Legacy of Will

Our history is rich with centuries-old traditions of mutual aid and community resilience, evidenced by powerful institutional and grassroots milestones:
- The Smithsonian Institution: The National Museum of African American History and Culture raised over $400 million, largely driven by Black donors and first-time philanthropists. This historic feat permanently shattered the myth of donor apathy, showcasing the immense power of organized giving.
- Women-Led Grassroots Funds: Innovative models across California, such as the Black Equity Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation, are rewriting the rules of philanthropy. By placing grantmaking authority directly into the hands of community members, they ensure funding aligns precisely with real-time needs.
What We’ve Accomplished: Generosity as a Metric

African Americans historically give a higher percentage of their discretionary income to charity than any other racial or ethnic group:
- The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Their Everyday Donors of Color report series analyzed giving trends and verified that African Americans dedicate a larger percentage of their income to charity than other ethnic groups, with high rates of support for congregations and interpersonal community needs.
- Tides Foundation & NonProfitPRO: Data reveals that Black households give an average of 3% to 4% of their income to charitable causes, significantly outpacing the 1.5% to 3% average of other demographic groups.
Closing Thoughts: The Work Yet to Be Done

Despite clear data, Black philanthropy is often forced to constantly “prove itself,” even though its societal impact extends far beyond our own communities.

I recall serving an organization with a predominantly Black and Latino demographic. Recognizing the need for representative leadership, I proposed creating an inclusive council of local C-Suite leaders to provide fiscal support. I was met with immediate pushbacks and advised focusing elsewhere. The harmful, pervasive belief that African Americans or people of the global majority lack the means or desire to make transformational gifts is an implicit bias that still plagues the nonprofit sector.

If your organization operates with this exclusionary mindset, you are leaving money on the table and missing a sacred opportunity to build a true community. Philanthropy is not a luxury reserved for the wealthy; it flows from anyone with a heart to give and a willingness to sacrifice a greater impact.

Black philanthropy is the power of the pivot in action — the unique nimbleness to shift with the times or strategically stay steps ahead.

That is a legacy always worth celebrating.

Black Philanthropy Month Reads
- Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villanueva
- Madam C.J. Walker’s The Gospel of Giving Black Women Philanthropy During Jim Crow by Tyrone Mckinley Freeman
- Ready From Within: Septima Clark and the Civil Rights Movement, A First Person Narrative by Septima Poinsette Clark
- Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement by Tanisha C. Ford
Author bio:Lisa J. Baxter is the Founder and Chief Community Builder of The Coleman-Baxter Agency, a boutique consulting firm that helps purpose-driven nonprofits and corporations tell stories that inspire action and build deep community. After a successful 19-year career in the nonprofit sector, Lisa pivoted into writing full-time and is currently working on her debut novel. She pens a weekly article on her Substack, “This Is My Time,” where she offers a candid GenX perspective on the realities of writing a first novel while navigating the shifts of midlife. You can connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

References:
1. Black Philanthropy Month (BPM). 2026. https://backblackmovement.org/blackphilanthropymonth
2. Barber, A.R. (2021, December 10). Black philanthropy and a common agenda: A case study from the National Museum of African American History. The Greater Public Blog. https://greaterpublic.org/blog/black-philanthropy-and-a-common-agenda-a-case-study-from-the-national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture/
3. Patterson, K. (2026, February 25). What philanthropy can learn from Black women-led and community-centered funding. Candid. https://candid.org/blogs/community-centered-philanthropy-black-women-leaders/
4. Indiana University Indianapolis. (2021). Everyday donors of color: Giving trends and patterns. The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/829fe636-91b6-4ea1-a683-e501148e2620/content
5. Caravalho, L. (2024, August 30). Debunking 3 common myths about Black philanthropy. Tides Foundation. https://www.tides.org/blog/debunking-3-common-myths-about-black-philanthropy/
6. Cole, A.L. (2023, November 28). 3 takeaways from a new report on giving trends by race. NonProfitPRO. https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/3-takeaways-new-report-giving-trends-race/
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August 6, 2026

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Black Philanthropy Month, Cause Selling Cycle, Culture of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Change Management
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Understanding Planned Giving: Donor Motivations and Marketing Strategies

July 28, 2026

By Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE

As fundraisers, we frequently think of donors writing a check, attending a special event, or giving used items to a donation center. These gifts keep our organization running, but there is another form of generosity that sustains organizations in the future: planned giving.

Leaving a gift in a will, setting up a trust, or naming a charity as a life insurance beneficiary requires donors to think about a long-term commitment. But understanding what motivates a person to make this kind of commitment is key to achieving long-term sustainability.

3 Donor Motivations Behind Planned Gifts

Here are three reasons why a donor might consider planned giving:

1. A Lasting Legacy

For donors, a planned gift is a way to express who they were and what they valued. It is an opportunity to look at the future and say, “I want to ensure this work continues long after I am gone.”

Many donors want to make a difference but need their assets during their lifetime to live comfortably. You will see this when a donor says, “I wish I could do more.” A legacy gift enables them to make a larger impact than they ever could through annual or major gift giving.

Many planned gifts are given to organizations that have left a mark on the donor’s life. This might be a hospital that cured a family member, a university that opened doors for them, or a local shelter that aligns with their values.

2. Emotional Satisfaction

There is a psychological benefit to planned giving. Psychologists often refer to the emotional satisfaction of giving as the “warm glow” effect, and it intensifies when connected to a lifelong legacy. It provides a donor peace of mind when they know their hard work will support a scholarship, fund critical research, or protect the environment.

Many non-profits create exclusive “Legacy Societies”, offering donors a chance to connect with other planned giving donors and see their generosity celebrated during their lifetime.

3. Tax Incentives

Making a planned gift is smart financial planning. Planned giving offers powerful tax incentives that benefit both the donor and their heirs. For high-net-worth individuals, it reduces the overall value of their taxable estate. This ensures more of their wealth supports a cause they love rather than going to taxes. When a donor gives appreciated assets — like stocks or real estate — they may completely avoid capital gains taxes and secure a charitable deduction for the full market value.

A common misconception is that making a planned gift means losing financial security. Modern planned giving is designed to give donors peace of mind. Donors can write a charity into their legacy plan and retain full access to their funds while they are alive. If they need that money for healthcare or retirement, it’s theirs. The charity only receives what remains.

How to Market Planned Giving to Donors

Marketing planned giving isn’t like marketing other giving vehicles. You aren’t asking for immediate cash; you are asking them to consider their life legacy and estate. Plus, many donors assume that planned giving is too complicated or that they aren’t wealthy enough to qualify. But this isn’t an exclusive club for the ultra-wealthy, which is why you should integrate planned giving into your regular marketing.

Because planned giving is a deeply personal and emotional decision, your marketing should remove the friction and lead with impact. Here’s how:
1. Tell stories and share testimonials or profiles of current legacy society members. Highlight why they decided to give and what it means to them.
2. Frame the conversation around their lifetime connection to your cause. Use prompts like: “What do you want your impact on this organization to be 50 years from now?”
3. Add a simple checkbox to your regular direct mail slip or digital donation pages:
  - “☐ I have included [Organization] in my will.”
  - “☐ I would like information on how to include [Organization] in my estate plans.”
4. Include a permanent line in your newsletter footers or staff email signatures like: “Have you considered leaving a lasting legacy? Learn more about our planned giving options.”
5. Create age-appropriate messaging for each age group in your database:
  - For millennials, focus on flexibility, revocable gifts, and that they don’t have to give up assets now.
  - For baby boomers, focus on traditional bequests, estate planning, and tax-smart income-producing gifts like Charitable Gift Annuities.
6. Dedicate a clear, easy-to-find page on your website to planned giving, including:
  - Sample legal language that a donor can easily copy and paste into their will
  - A downloadable “Estate Planning Guide”
  - A free educational webinar with a local estate attorney, framing it as a service to help them organize their affairs
7. Emphasize bequests and beneficiary designations where no money changes hands today. This is incredibly comforting to donors who are worried about their future healthcare costs or outliving their retirement savings.
Tip: Not all donors are ready for a planned giving pitch. Target the ones who show the highest indicators of loyalty (consistent annual donors, monthly gifts, and giving to more than one program), not just high wealth.

Sustain Your Organization Through Planned Giving

While annual donations and event tickets fund daily operations, planned giving is the foundation of an organization’s long-term sustainability. Making a legacy gift — whether through a will, trust, or beneficiary designation — is a deeply personal decision that allows donors to express their lifelong values, maximize their impact without sacrificing current financial security, and enjoy significant tax benefits.

For fundraisers, marketing these gifts requires an impact-first, emotionally resonant approach. By normalizing the conversation across regular channels, targeting loyal supporters rather than just high-net-worth individuals, and removing technical friction with clear, accessible resources, organizations can seamlessly invite donors to secure a lasting legacy that protects a cause they love for generations to come.

Author bio: Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE, is a trainer and consultant for Sanford Institute of Philanthropy. Reach him at jalotto@nu.edu or connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-alotto-ma-cfre-8920526/
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July 28, 2026

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Donor, Donor Cultivation, Donor Engagement
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Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: More Than Just Asking for Donations

July 14, 2026

By Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE

Peer-to-peer fundraising (P2P), also known as friend-to-friend fundraising, involves supporters raising funds by leveraging their personal networks. P2P is often used as a tool for giving days like Giving Tuesday, where supporters ask their friends and family for donations. But only focusing on donations can be shortsighted. Asking for a gift is just one way donors can increase, enhance, and strengthen revenue. They can also help you find new supporters and play a key role in encouraging them to make a gift.

That’s why it’s time to rethink your peer-to-peer fundraising strategy. Rooted in the principles of Cause Selling, this strategy invites supporters to share in your mission and the emotional connection you have to it — encouraging them to join a cause they genuinely believe in.

Why Use P2P?

Peer-to-peer fundraising thrives on respect, trust, family, friendship, mutual support, shared interests, expectations, and empathy. People are more inclined to read letters, respond to text messages, or answer phone calls from friends rather than from fundraisers. A close peer has a better chance of convincing a prospective donor to give using personal stories that evoke empathy and interest.

Beyond raising money, P2P can build your donor pipeline, deepen engagement, strengthen stewardship, and uncover new prospects. Used strategically, it can be a powerful engine for sustainable growth, not just a short-term boost.

Best Opportunities to Use P2P

Engaging donor peers is an effective method to move prospective donors through the fundraising cycle from prospecting to stewardship. Here’s how:

1. Prospecting

Start by asking major gift donors for referrals. Then, reach out to loyal donors who consistently contribute to help open doors. Asking donors or board members for introductions to potential supporters is crucial to expand your donor base and boost revenue.

2. Cultivation

Upon receiving a referral from a donor, ask the referrer about the prospect’s interests and capacity to make a contribution. Invite the donor to participate as a peer cultivator by attending meetings with the prospect.

3. Solicitation

If a donor is willing and has been trained to make a solicitation, they can be effective at making the ask. A donor who understands the mission of the organization may be effective in requesting a gift.

4. Stewardship

After receiving a gift, invite the donor to help acknowledge it, demonstrate its impact, and assist in renewing their peer’s support.

Pro Tip: Cause Selling emphasizes aligning donor interests with mission impact. Equip your peer fundraisers to share why they give — not just what your organization does. This personal story makes the ask more authentic and emotionally compelling.

Why Is P2P Important?

Networking is at the heart of effective fundraising, and your donors can be some of your best connectors. Involving them in the fundraising process not only expands your reach but also deepens their own engagement. To succeed, you’ll need to train and support donors in key areas like making introductions, participating in cultivation, and even helping with solicitations when appropriate.

Cause Selling emphasizes the importance of building relationships and aligning donor values with your mission. When donors are equipped to share their personal connection to your cause, they become powerful advocates, not just fundraisers.

Stewardship matters, too. Recognizing a donor’s role in a peer’s giving journey — whether through a thank-you note, call, or personal follow-up — reinforces their value in the process and encourages continued involvement.

Four P2P Tips to Keep in Mind
1. Be clear and concise: When asking for a referral, be respectful of their time and connections. Provide them with the information necessary about why your organization needs a donor pipeline and how they can help by making a referral.
2. Don’t hesitate: It may feel awkward for you to ask a donor or anyone (board member, volunteer) for a referral. But remember, they believe strongly in your cause and want to help. This is another way — beyond making an outright gift — that they can help your organization.
3. Keep your request reasonable: Asking for an introduction to someone in their network is fair. Avoid demanding a referral or asking on short notice. Make your referral request interesting and positive for the referrer. Always follow up with a thank you.
4. Remember your “why”: Leveraging peers extends your reach and amplifies the organization’s fundraising efforts.
Final Thoughts

Peer-to-peer fundraising provides a new opportunity to strategically engage supporters and acquire new donors. Do not hesitate to ask your donors, volunteers, and board members for introductions and referrals to their network. For those who prefer not to make a direct referral, you can ask them to share information about your mission and the work your organization does on social media.

Pro Tip: Create a toolkit with training and coaching to help volunteers succeed. Peer-to-peer fundraising expands the donor base and raises brand awareness, improving relationships with current supporters. It allows supporters to join fundraising efforts, broadening the reach and sharing the cause within their networks.

Author bio: Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE, is a trainer and consultant for Sanford Institute of Philanthropy. Reach him at jalotto@nu.edu or connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-alotto-ma-cfre-8920526/
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July 14, 2026

blog

Cause Selling Cycle, Culture of Philanthropy, Donor Engagement
July 9, 2026

The Power of the Pivot: Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future of Black Philanthropy

5 Black Philanthropy-Inspired Change Strategies

1. Lead with Purpose During Times of Change

2. Build Authentic Relationships That Endure

3. Embrace Innovation While Honoring Traditions

4. Develop and Empower Future Leaders

5. Advance Collective Impact Through Collaboration

Where We’ve Been: A Legacy of Will

What We’ve Accomplished: Generosity as a Metric

Closing Thoughts: The Work Yet to Be Done

Black Philanthropy Month Reads

Understanding Planned Giving: Donor Motivations and Marketing Strategies

3 Donor Motivations Behind Planned Gifts

1. A Lasting Legacy

2. Emotional Satisfaction

3. Tax Incentives

How to Market Planned Giving to Donors

Sustain Your Organization Through Planned Giving

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: More Than Just Asking for Donations

Why Use P2P?

Best Opportunities to Use P2P

1. Prospecting

2. Cultivation

3. Solicitation

4. Stewardship

Why Is P2P Important?

Four P2P Tips to Keep in Mind

Final Thoughts