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Supporting Black-owned charities is a powerful way to promote social and economic equity, uplift marginalized communities, and drive meaningful change. By backing these organizations, we invest in empowering Black individuals, families, and communities and actively work to address the long-standing disparities in education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and social justice.
Black-owned charities play an essential role in tackling issues that disproportionately affect Black communities, from food insecurity and mass incarceration to systemic inequality. By supporting these organizations, we contribute to the generation of resources that can make a lasting impact on Black lives. Many of these charities focus on creating sustainable economic opportunities through initiatives like financial literacy programs, educational support, and workforce training—critical efforts in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating long-term opportunities for economic mobility.
Fostering Community Building
Furthermore, Black-owned charities often prioritize community-based approaches to social change. They provide critical resources for individuals and families, such as access to food, housing, mental health support, and youth mentorship. These organizations are deeply embedded in their communities, making them uniquely positioned to address local needs. Supporting them means investing in grassroots efforts that create lasting change and a sense of solidarity.
Additionally, supporting Black-owned charities is an investment in future generations. By funding programs that support Black youth, mentorship, and leadership development, these organizations help cultivate the next generation of leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs. Ensuring that young Black individuals have the resources and opportunities they need can lead to long-term benefits for society.
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Children of Promise is a great charity to give back to this holiday season.
One incredible Black-owned charity making a significant impact is Children of Promise, a New York City-based organization dedicated to supporting children in need. Founded by Sharon Content in 2009, Children of Promise provides mentorship and resources to children with incarcerated parents, working to break the cycle of intergenerational involvement in the criminal justice system, according to their website. The organization was born out of Content’s concern over the lack of support for young people whose parents are imprisoned, an often overlooked and vulnerable group.
Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC) is the first and only after-school program and summer camp in New York City specifically designed to meet the unique needs and concerns of children with incarcerated parents. Since its founding, CPNYC has served over 1,500 children and their families, offering a safe space for them to receive emotional support, academic enrichment, and social development.
The organization has built a strong foundation through broad collaborative relationships and community partnerships, raising over $5 million in government and philanthropic funding. Children of Promise has also developed its own innovative, holistic model that not only provides direct services but also focuses on long-term solutions to help break the cycle of incarceration and support the overall well-being of these children.
With your donations this holiday season, the organization can continue its mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to live a full and impactful life, regardless of their familial circumstances. On Dec. 3, in honor of Giving Tuesday, a global day of charitable giving held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Children of Promise asked for donations to support their Bond Beyond Bars initiative. The program is designed to help children stay connected with their incarcerated parents during the holidays, providing emotional support and strengthening family bonds during a time when these connections are often strained. Consider donating here.
Want to support even more amazing charities? Here are five additional Black-owned organizations you can donate to this holiday season.
1. The Lantern Network
The Lantern Network empowers the next generation of Black leaders through mentorship, internships, and professional development. With a focus on career advancement, the organization provides unique opportunities that inspire and guide young professionals as they navigate their careers.
By fostering leadership skills and offering resources for personal growth, The Lantern Network helps pave the way for a brighter future for Black youth.
2. Vegans Of LA
Founded by Gwenna Hunter, the Vegans of LA Food Bank combats food insecurity by providing fresh produce and vegan options to residents of Los Angeles. Operating on the third Thursday of every month, it is the only vegan food bank in the city, serving over 600 people in just three hours.
Partnering with local organizations like the West Presbyterian Church, Vegans of LA is committed to offering healthy food choices to communities in need. Consider donating your time to help out during their monthly food banking sessions.
If you aren’t located in the LA area, you can still donate to support the organization here.
3. Good Man Brand
Co-founded by NFL star Russell Wilson, Good Man Brand offers high-quality, neutral menswear designed for the modern, on-the-go man. Beyond fashion, the brand also supports Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation, with a percentage of proceeds dedicated to empowering youth and fostering positive change in underserved communities.
According to the foundation’s website, Why Not You strives to empower youth by focusing on education, improving children’s health, and combating poverty. Through its commitment to both style and philanthropy, Good Man Brand helps make a difference while elevating men’s fashion.
If you purchase an item for your loved one from the brand for the holiday, you’ll be giving back to an incredible cause.
4. Black Women’s Blueprint
Black Women’s Blueprint is a 501(c)(3) Black feminist organization that launched Restore Forward, a transformative, land-based healing program in upstate New York. Spanning 300 acres, this initiative focuses on advancing well-being through crisis intervention, mental health services, farm programs, and retreats. With a mission of fostering healing, reconciliation, and empowerment, Restore Forward is a safe space for individuals to be seen, held, and heard as they navigate their journeys.
5. The Lip Bar
The Lip Bar is making waves with its vibrant and empowering lip gloss collections, especially with its limited edition HBCU Culture Shop line. Featuring seven new gloss shades and exclusive packaging that celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), TLB is all about school pride. With 15% of proceeds donated back to the HBCUs they represent, TLB combines beauty and activism, supporting Black education and culture.