Conclusion

The Giving Black®: Hampton Roads, The Genesis of American Black Philanthropy study chronicles Hampton Roads’ unique history and rich legacy of Black giving. The practices and traditions that appeared early on in Hampton Roads were replicated in Black giving practices across the nation. This report describes the attitudes and patterns of giving among Hampton Roads’ Black donors. Our findings reveal many examples of a Black donor community often guided by deep religious faith, and a belief in linked fate and in making Hampton Roads a better place for Black communities to thrive.

The narrative about Black giving needs to be revised. Too often, Black donors are not viewed as philanthropists, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Black giving practices are simplified, categorized as solely “giving to the church,” which discounts the multi-functional role churches play in the Black community. As one donor shared, “there’s so many things that need to be done…that some of the churches have become philanthropic. Some of them have vaccination clinics, for example.”

NEBiP’s approach is to offer research and data as touchstones to counter anecdotes, assumptions and false narratives of Black giving. Survey findings confirm what many Black donors expressed during one-on-one interviews and focus groups: Hampton Roads’ Black community is not monolithic. NEBiP offers two frameworks, a Black Donor typology and Linked Philanthropic Equity, to give additional context for Hampton Roads’ philanthropic community to consider.

We believe research should invite additional conversation, debate and questions. We trust the study will prove useful in conversations on Black donor views, behaviors, practices and trends.