August is Black Philanthropy Month throughout the world. Here's what's happening in Memphis

What’s happening: Since 2011, August has been Black Philanthropy Month, a chance to celebrate, advocate for, and participate in Black philanthropic efforts the world over. And while this international month of celebration stretches from Memphis to points throughout the globe, organizations like the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and others have made sure that our corner of the world honors the month with spirit.

How it’s going: This year’s celebration began on Tuesday, Aug. 1, as Memphis City Council signed a resolution officially recognizing August as Black Philanthropy Month throughout the city. Just one day later, City Council and the Community Foundation honored the 84 Shelby County high school graduates selected to receive scholarships to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). A reception was held for the students and their families at City Hall.

About that: The students made up the first ever cohort of the Memphis City Council HBCU Scholarship, a two-year program created by City Council and managed by the Community Foundation that was first announced in January 2023. This inaugural round awarded $448,200 in scholarships to 84 students attending 25 different HBCUs, leaving more than $500,000 to be awarded in the program’s second year. City Council earmarked $1 million for the program, which comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Recovery Act, or ARPA.

Celebrate all month long: One of the best ways to participate in Black Philanthropy Month is to participate in Black philanthropy. The folks at the Community Foundation recently shared a calendar put together by Rachel Knox, Senior Program Officer for Thriving Arts and Culture at the Hyde Foundation, that lists a Black philanthropic organization or effort for each day of the month, shared in the gallery above with a high-res version linked here.

[Related: Read “Seven Black-led nonprofits you should know about in the 901” on High Ground News.]

And finally: On Thursday, Aug. 31, the Community Foundation will host a panel conversation and event at the National Civil Rights Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. The panel, Acknowledging and Celebrating the Power of Black Philanthropy, will feature a reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres followed by a conversation with Anasa Troutman of the Historic Clayborn Temple and The BIG We; Brandon Arrindell of Southeastern Asset Management; Shante Avant of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis and a Shelby County Commissioner; and Rychetta Watkins of the Memphis Music Initiative.

Additional information and registration for the event is available online.