Why the Black Church? The Case for Partnerships Between Black Churches & Organized Philanthropy

Abstract

For over two and a half centuries, America’s Black churches have contributed to the vital- ity of democracy by challenging barriers to minority full participation in American life, and by empowering African Americans to build strong institutions and communities. As we witnessed during the civil rights movement, these churches played a pivotal role in mobiliz- ing Black and other citizens to take action aimed at promoting their political, economic, social and spiritual uplift. Indeed, that movement helped to inspire human rights campaigns throughout the world.

Most civic-oriented foundations are committed to strengthening democracy by build- ing strong institutions capable of empowering people to grow and act for the common good. Since foundations and government agencies cannot deliver directly the many forms of community assistance that are needed, they pursue these goals through partnerships with effective community-based organizations (CBOs). Indeed, this strategy informs current debates concerning “faith-based” community services. Although in recent years the federal and state governments have begun to expand the funding and collaborative avenues for faith-based organizations (FBOs), most foundations have not paid adequate attention to the Black community’s most influential and asset-rich institutions.

This report conveys just a small portion of a much larger story about the strategic coop- eration and mutual learning that has occurred between two important segments of civil society. Many believe that it is a story that merits another look in our time.