Giving to organizations that address racial inequity
Around the world, communities are calling for racial justice and an end to systemic racism after the disturbing killings of Black Americans. Many philanthropists are wondering how to make a meaningful impact amid a heightened focus on structural inequities in education, housing, healthcare, food security and financial stability and their effects on people of color in general and Black people in particular.
Because so many of you want to help, we want to provide you with information you can trust about ways to offer support.
Below is a list of nongovernmental organizations supported by Raymond James Charitable donors in the past that are recommended by our partners at the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), as well as Charity Navigator, the largest evaluator of charities in the United States.
The CDP, a national resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional giving decisions, is in regular contact with these organizations and has firsthand knowledge of how funds will help make an impact:
- Equal Justice Initiative
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
- Southern Poverty Law Center
- Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
- Public Justice Center
- American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLU)
If you are looking for nonprofits in your local community to support, we recommend you start by identifying a specific aspect of the cause you wish to address – for example, legislative action, access to legal counsel, education or mental health – and look for organizations that focus on that work. If you want to become involved personally, look for organizations that have volunteer opportunities.
Whether your chosen charity is local or a local chapter of a larger organization, do your research to check their credibility. For additional guidance on vetting a nonprofit, read our blog post: 5 Actionable Ways to Vet a Charity.
Philanthropy can be a powerful change agent, one that encourages us all to share, learn and grow together.
