In September, more than 150 people came together to celebrate an expanded, more inclusive view of philanthropy.
The event highlighted formal and informal ways communities give, especially within communities of color, that have inspired and empowered new philanthropists.
Keynote: Hope of generosity
Dr. Tyrone McKinley Freeman is an award-winning scholar and educator. He serves as an Associate Professor at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and a research associate at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
His research is focused on African American philanthropy and philanthropy in communities of color, and he’s also the author of Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving.
During his keynote, Freeman spoke about the long legacy of Black philanthropy, and shared the lessons of Madam C.J. Walker to: 1. give as you can, 2. spare no useful means, and 3. give more as your means increase.
He also shared an inspiring case study about the fundraising for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“Many types of gifts were needed,” Freeman said, and every contribution, ranging from a $20,000 gift from an 80-year-old Black woman to a $2 gift from an eight-year-old boy, made a lasting impact. He also shared how 74% of the donors were African American or people of color.
Throughout his talk, he spoke about the “hope of generosity,” an essential theme at this point in history. “At a time when invectives and bullets drive the discourse more than civility and love, philanthropy is more important than ever,” he said.
Panel: Diverse voices in philanthropy
We then welcomed members of various giving circles at The Denver Foundation to a panel facilitated by Esteban Hernandez, Axios reporter.
The panel included Kat Ling, a member of the Colorado Asian American Pacific Islander Circle and LGBTQ+ Giving Circle; Nate Cadena, Latinos Impacting our Future Together (LIFT); Justin Brooks, Denver African American Philanthropists; and Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, Native Futures Collective, the first Indigenous giving circle in the state.
Each person shared the importance of giving and the different ways it shows up in their culture, including bringing food to a sick neighbor or leaning into their connections to support others. They also spoke about why diversity matters.
“There is value in divergent opinions. We are looking for solidarity and unity, but that doesn’t require us all to think the same. We can better meet the needs of the community when we have different opinions,” said Kat Ling.
Black philanthropy in Colorado
We also shared the trailer of History Lives Here, a documentary we sponsored that uncovers the untold legacy of Black Coloradans who built a philanthropic culture that helped shape our state.
“My parents modeled giving throughout my childhood. I would join them some nights as they cleaned office buildings together as a second job, and I would watch every month as they would give all they could to neighbors and charitable organizations.
My father would send charitable contributions to a number of organizations that sent solicitations in the mail because it was important to him to give back. Their legacy is one of the reasons I’m here today- at The Denver Foundation and working with all this generosity in this community.”
- Javier Alberto Soto, President & CEO The Denver Foundation
Through the stories of doctors, dancers, and everyday families, it reveals a truth too often erased: Black philanthropy has always been about brilliance, resilience, survival, and love. This documentary is being developed by Human Focused Media and Rocky Mountain PBS.
Key takeaways
At a time when division threatens to overshadow connection, this event and our 100th anniversary remind us that philanthropy is a force for unity, and it belongs to all of us.
As a community foundation, we see the value that diversity brings, and we will stand up to support it. We will continue to help people from all backgrounds, geographies, ideologies, and belief systems.
Despite our differences, we share common values, like freedom, community, and compassion, and we all deserve to heal, thrive, and live peacefully.
Freeman left us with a powerful reminder that “Giving is more important than ever. And you, as givers, are more important than ever. When you give, it shows human souls will not be crushed.”
We are so grateful to everyone who was able to attend and felt buoyed by the joy and hope in the room.
Photos credit: Amanda Tipton Photography
