The rise of next-generation Black philanthropists

By Quameiha Raymond-Ducheine, storytelling associate

In the prevailing narrative surrounding philanthropy, Black Americans are often stereotyped as passive recipients rather than active contributors. This perception obscures the rich history of Black generosity and the transformative power of Black philanthropy. As societal shifts unfold, a new generation of donors is redefining this narrative, showcasing the profound impact that community-oriented giving can have on future generations.

Michael Taylor, a philanthropic associate at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, and his wife Christa have combined their passions and resources to establish a donor-advised (DAF) fund as a vehicle for charitable giving. Michael says his understanding of philanthropy evolved significantly through his work at the Foundation. “Philanthropy was prevalent in my life,” he said. “I had a lot of help to get to where I am today but I never used the word ‘philanthropy’ to describe that help. You hear words like ‘giving back’, you hear ‘charity’. But working here, I discovered that you don’t necessarily have to have billions of dollars to give back, and the vehicle to do that is the donor-advised fund.”

Michael and Christa take pride in their new endeavor and are eager to share their experience with their friends and family. Christa says, “I never thought I would be in this position even to be able to give back in such a way.”

Often, Black Americans are not able to give in the ways that are commonly deemed philanthropic. According to the Urban Institute database the median White family in Atlanta has 46 times the wealth of the median Black family. This is far more extreme than the national average, where median White household wealth is 12.5 times as great as Black wealth. Still, philanthropic giving is inherent in Black communities. Michael says, “I want to disrupt this narrative that Black people don’t give.” According to Urban Institute, of all racial or ethnic groups in the dataset, Black families have contributed the largest proportion of their wealth to charity. Michael and Christa plan on making microgrants to organizations with budgets of less than $1 million, emphasizing organizations that work in developing youth, family reunification, fine arts and social justice. Michael says, “One attractive thing about the Community Foundation was that there was no minimum. So you can open a fund with any amount, taking into consideration the fees that it will cost to maintain the fund. But outside of that, it was a light lift to open the fund.”

There is more than one way to be philanthropic. Offering your time, talent and treasure has the power to transform communities in a meaningful way. Christa often lends her talents at her church as a dance instructor and enjoys being involved in developing youth. Both Michael and Christa want to create a legacy of impact. As they prepare to welcome their first child, the couple reflects on the legacy they wish to create. Michael says, “Having my first child puts things in a whole new perspective for me. I think about what kind of example I want to be and what type of exposure I want to show her about being impactful with other people.”

To learn more about donor-advised funds or giving to TogetherATL, contact our Philanthropy team at 404.688.5525.