Motivations for Philanthropic Giving in the African American Church: Implications for Black College Fundraising

‘Making Something of Themselves’: Black self-determination, the church and higher education philanthropy

“…The spirit of racial uplift is alive and well. Many African-American donors acknowledge values instilled in them by the church early when discussing their motivations for giving to their respective colleges ( Holloman et al , 2003 ). Like the Black church, HBCUs can work to instill a sense of social responsibility and community connection in their students early on.…”

“…Black churches long have been primary vehicles for communicating cultural values within their communities, serving the dual purposes of promoting racial uplifting and cultivating the value of charitable giving, ( Holloman et al , 2003 ). From this long history, three lessons for today ' s HBCU development professionals emerge.…”

Increasing philanthropic support through entrepreneurial activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

“…Diversifying the funding at HBCUs is necessary for institutional survival. Holloman et al (2003) argue that HBCUs must increase their giving rates due to the decline in support from public entities. Riggs (2005) believes that ' the rapid changes in economic, demographic, and political conditions that face American institutions of higher education indicate that both the institutions and their leaders must be adaptable and diverse ' (p. 3).…”

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“…Traditionally in the black church, the majority of African Americans are taught from a young age that they have an obligation to give to the church; black colleges would do well to engage in this kind of teaching as well (Holloman, Gasman, and Anderson-Thompkins, 2003). With a large percentage of HBCU undergraduates first-generation college students compared with the national average, these institutions could easily take on the role of a churchlike organization, as many students are experiencing the outside world for the first time and longing for the guidance and organizational closeness usually provided by their church back home (Holloman, Gasman, and Anderson-Thompkins, 2003). It is not a coincidence that the black church has been the center of African American giving and the single most effective fundraising mechanism for blacks (Byrd, 1990;Fairfax, 1995;Frazier, 1963Frazier, , 1977Lincoln, 1974;Pressley, 1995).…”

“…When a revered figure in the community such as a pastor appeals on behalf of a charitable cause, blacks are more likely to contribute financially. According to researchers, the leaders of HBCUs need to emulate this kind of success, teaching their potential donors early in their educational process (Holloman, Gasman, and Anderson-Thompkins, 2003). Like trusted pastors, HBCU leaders such as presidents and advancement staff need to have prestige and credibility in the community-especially the immediate African American community.…”