“Building Philanthropy in Communities of African American Descent”

History

In 2004, Louisiana Session on Black Philanthropy met during Louisiana Alliance for Nonprofits, formerly Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, conference and the session was facilitated by Sharon Walker McCall of Resource and Fund Development, LLC.

Participants of Louisiana Session on Black Philanthropy were divided into 3 groups – New Orleans, Baton Rouge and a group that consisted of rural community representatives.

Strategies

Strategies for implementing a Black Philanthropic Initiative in rural communities overlapped with strategies for metropolitan areas, such as providing education; however, emphasis was placed on choosing an appropriate vehicle or a mechanism for the process.

Participants felt that a Black Philanthropic Initiative would be effective in reaching individuals at gatherings, such as celebrations.

Barriers

Participants discussed barriers to implementing a Black Philanthropic Initiative in Louisiana, and participants brainstormed and developed strategies.  Participants agreed to serve on task forces in their respective communities. Also, if Black Philanthropic Initiatives were spearheaded by Black leadership, task force members agreed that the effort would be more effective.

The following were identified as barriers to implementing a Black Philanthropic Initiative in Louisiana by task force members:

7 Barriers to Implementation of Black Philanthropic Initiative in Louisiana

  • Organized Effort
  • Education/Awareness
  • Lack of Access
  • Trust and Commitment
  • Threats
  • Transportation
  • Traditional Research

Solutions to Barriers

Due to amount of time allotted for Louisiana Session, participants were not able to address all identified barriers, and task force members selected and focused on 3 barriers – Education, Threats, and Lack of Access, and developed solutions to barriers, which follow:

Suggested Themes:
Preserving the Past
Give to Grow
Spirit of Benevolence