In the US, African American children face inequality throughout their educational careers. For example, research shows that compared to white students, Black students are more likely to be suspended or expelled, less likely to be placed into gifted programs, and are subject to lower expectations from their teachers. Moreover, many miss out on educational opportunities due to financial constraints, inadequate programming, or environmental factors. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for African American Education?

The best charities for African American Education are the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Charities like the National Black Child Development Institute and the Children’s Defense Fund advocate for racial equity in the educational system.

Whether you want to help raise awareness of racially-based biases and disparities in special education, ensure all Black girls have access to decent educational opportunities, or connect African American youth with academic mentors, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for African American Education are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to donate.

Here’s What All the Best Charities For African American Education Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, transparency ratings, and achievements. Many operate throughout the US on a national level, but some utilize local affiliates to better serve the needs of individual African American communities.

Many of these charities fight to make sure that African American youth don’t miss out on higher education due to financial constraints. Others work to ensure that Black children receive quality education as early as possible. 

Some provide mentorship to help at-risk youth choose a positive lifestyle, while others advocate for policies to dismantle systemic racism. 

Yet, they all share a common goal; to help African Americans reach their fullest educational potential and create a more equitable future.

These Are the 9 Best Charities for African American Education in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for African American Education (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities for African American Education

United Negro College Fund

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

National Black Child Development Institute

Children’s Defense Fund

Black Girls Code

Common Ground Foundation

National Urban League

100 Black Men of America

Easterseals

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

United Negro College Fund: Enhancing African American Higher Education

The United Negro College Fund was founded in 1944 to increase the number of African American college students and graduates. Today, they are the oldest and most successful African American higher education assistance program in the US.

Charity Navigator gives the United Negro College a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver rating for transparency. 

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund helps African American students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities through financial support and advocacy. For example, they award more than 10,000 scholarships and internships to Black and minority students annually. Furthermore, their Institute for Capacity Building provides direct and technical support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions. They also advocate for local and federal policies that remove barriers to higher education and promote college readiness within the African American Community.

Since their founding, the United Negro College Fund has helped more than 500,000 students earn their college degrees, including African Americans. Furthermore, their 37 member schools educate more than 50,000 students each year, and their graduates account for over 17% of all bachelor degrees earned by African American students. And, in 2015, their advocacy efforts contributed to an increase of $32 million in federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions.

You can donate to the United Negro College Fund via their website. You can also contribute by registering to participate in events, or by volunteering with a local affiliate.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Support for Black Students and Universities

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund was founded in 1987 by Dr. N. Joyce Payne to ensure that every child has access to a good education. Today, they are the largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.

Charity Navigator gives the Thurgood Marshall College Fund a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum rating for transparency. 

“Changing the world… one leader at a time.”

Thurgood Marshall College Fund 

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund provides resources and financial support to students in their member-schools network. This consists of 53 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions, and medical and law schools. For example, they provide opportunities for paid internships with their broad network of strategic partners. They also award scholarships to Black students in need. Furthermore, they work to improve the lives of Black and African Americans through policy and advocacy. For example, their Dr. N. Joyce Payne Center for Social Justice is devoted to researching how to address social injustices facing society.

Since their founding, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund has awarded more than $300 million to their member schools and students to support Black and African American students. For example, in 2020 alone, they distributed over $5.3 million in scholarships, reducing the financial burden for 1,806 students, 94% of whom identified as Black or African American. And, their efforts contributed to the FUTURE Act, which was signed into law in 2019 and secured over $2.55 billion in permanent funding for the Black College Community and other Minority Serving Institutions.

You can donate to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund via their website. You can also get involved by registering to participate in events, utilizing their Advocacy Toolkit, or investing in a program.

National Black Child Development Institute: Pursuing Educational Equity

The National Black Child Development Institute was founded in 1970 by the Black Women’s Community Development Foundation in the wake of the civil rights movement in the US. Today, they are one of the leading national organizations committed to the creation of an equitable, just, and joyful future for Black and African Americans and their families.

Charity Navigator gives the National Black Child Development Institute a 4-star rating. 

“Mobilize communities and ignite movements for the health, safety, and well-being of Black children and families.”

National Black Child Development Institute

The National Black Child Development Institute empowers individual communities to best serve Black and African American children, with a specific focus on early learning and advocacy. Their National Village Network offers various programs to support Black child development based on the needs of the community. For example, their Philadelphia chapter facilitates Child Development Associate training and certification to ensure daycares serving African American children are equipped to deliver a quality early childcare experience. In addition, their Atlanta chapter developed the Lifted Voices project to eliminate racial bias in organizations, including schools. 

Since their founding, the National Black Child Development Institute has enhanced the quality of life for millions of Black children across the US. For example, in 2014, members of their Seattle chapter successfully advocated bringing college courses to African American students at the Green Hill School. And, in 2021, they assisted in the publishing of the Black Child National Agenda, which highlights the status of Black children in America and provides policy recommendations for a brighter future. 

You can donate to the National Black Child Development Institute via their website. You can also contribute by purchasing a membership, shopping their collection of branded merchandise, or volunteering with a local affiliate.

Children’s Defense Fund: Improving Equity in Education

The Children’s Defense Fund was founded in 1973 by Marian Wright Edelman as an extension of her law firm’s work monitoring federal programs for low-income families. Today, they ensure that every child in America has the tools they need to thrive, including African American children.

Charity Navigator gives the Children’s Defense Fund a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold rating for transparency. 

“Unleashing the joy in growing up.”

Children’s Defense Fund

The Children’s Defense Fund operates programs that improve educational outcomes for African American youth. For example, their CDF Freedom Schools program provides after-school and summertime academic enrichment for K-12 children and is staffed primarily by college students of color. Furthermore, their Black Student Leadership Network provides financial and training resources to help students become effective public leaders and advocates. In addition, their Centering Youth Agency in the Civil Rights Movement program gives educators the tools and knowledge to teach civil rights history in a way that better represents the Black experience in America.

Since their founding, the Children’s Defense Fund has impacted the lives of thousands of children, including improving educational outcomes for African American Youth. For example, their CDF Freedom Schools program has benefited over 200,000 children since its inception in 1995. In 2022 alone, they served more than 10,000 students, almost 70% of whom identified as Black. Furthermore, they have compiled hundreds of reports featuring stories, statistics, and data to direct advocacy efforts and inform policy change to improve children’s lives.

You can donate to the Children’s Defense Fund via their website. You can also contribute by volunteering to serve at a CDF Freedom School, purchasing branded merchandise, or joining their advocacy efforts.

Black Girls Code: Leveling the Tech Field

The Black Girls Code was founded in 2011 by Kimberly Bryant to increase the presence of African American girls and women in technology careers. Today, they engage Black girls with computer programming education to nurture their careers in tech and beyond.

Charity Navigator gives the Black Girls Code a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold rating for transparency. 

“We belong in the room.”

Black Girls Code

Black Girls Code partners with schools, local organizations, and volunteers to offer both live and virtual learning opportunities for young women of color. For example, their YouTube series Code Along introduces tech concepts, skills, and leadership resources to help girls get started in the tech field. As another example, in partnership with Nike, they developed a virtual course on the fundamentals of Product Design, taught by leaders of Nike’s design team. Moreover, they help prepare young women to thrive in the workplace by offering courses like salary negotiation and how to draft a technical resume.

Since their founding, Black Girls Code has helped over 30,000 girls learn the basics of coding. For example, in 2022 alone, they introduced 4,317 girls in 15 cities across the US and South Africa to the fundamentals of the tech industry. And, they remain dedicated to their vision of training 1 million girls of color to code by 2040

You can donate to the Black Girls Code via their website. You can also contribute by organizing a fundraiser or volunteering. 

Common Ground Foundation: Mentoring Future Leaders

The Common Ground Foundation was founded in 2012 by Academy Award-winning artist, actor, and author Dr. Mahalia Hines to inspire youth through mentorship. Today, they are a network of mentors, instructors, parents, and volunteers dedicated to helping African American youth realize their full potential.

Charity Navigator gives the Common Ground Foundation a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver rating for transparency. 

“Finding purpose. Pursuing dreams.”

Common Ground Foundation 

The Common Ground Foundation empowers Black and African American youth to become community leaders through their youth development programs. For example, their Dreamers and Believers Program provides mentorship and college and career readiness education to high school students, as well as opportunities to participate in fine arts. As another example, their Window of Opportunity Program helps students transition into their freshman year of high school. And, their Alumni Program provides continued mentorship and support to high school graduates as they pursue higher education.

Since their founding, the Common Ground Foundation has served more than 500 students and Alumni, including African Americans. They maintain a 100% high school graduation rate for their participants, 84% of whom have gone on to attend a four-year college.

You can donate to the Common Ground Foundation via their website. You can also contribute by sponsoring scholarships for graduates, or providing job or internship opportunities. 

National Urban League: Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.

The National Urban League was founded in 1910 to advance the civil rights of African Americans. Today, they are the oldest and largest community-based movement dedicated to elevating the standard of living for African Americans and other underserved minority groups. 

Charity Navigator gives the National Urban League a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold rating for transparency. 

“Uplifting and empowering African Americans since 1910.”

National Urban League

The National Urban League helps African American children achieve economic self-reliance through programs that promote education, workforce development, health, and quality of life. For example, their Project Ready initiative provides access to support, services, and opportunities that are not always available in urban classrooms. Furthermore, Project Ready: STEAM gives students academic and experiential support to increase their understanding of and interest in science, technology, engineering, arts/agriculture, and math. In addition, their Project Wellness program empowers African Americans by providing resources on issues like disease prevention and navigating inequities in the healthcare system.

Today, the National Urban League operates a network of 92 affiliate offices in 37 US states, serving over 300 African American communities. For example, since 2013, they have impacted the lives of over 22 million people across all of their programs, with more than 3 million benefiting from their education services. And, in 2022, their Urban Youth Pathways program helped more than 2,200 vulnerable youth, including African Americans, to prepare to enter the workforce.

You can donate to the National Urban League via their website. You can also contribute by volunteering to be a mentor, purchasing branded merchandise, or joining their digital community.

100 Black Men of America: Education and Empowerment

100 Black Men of America was founded in 1986 by a group of African American men to improve living conditions within their communities. Today, they are recognized as the top African American-led youth mentorship organization in the US.

Their impact and transparency ratings:

Charity Navigator gives 100 Black Men of America a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver rating for transparency. 

“What they see is what they’ll be.”

100 Black Men of America 

100 Black Men of America provides critical youth development services for underprivileged African American youth across the US and abroad. Their Four for the Future Program highlights 4 focus areas crucial to youth development: mentorship, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment, and implements programs to help youth thrive. For example, they operate Wallet Wise, a free financial education program, to promote economic empowerment. They also developed Health Care 2.0, which provides African American youth with the education and tools they need to advocate for their own health. And, their National Scholarship Program gives mentees a chance at financial aid as they pursue higher education.

Since their founding, 100 Black Men of America has positively impacted the lives of over 125,000 Black and African American youth in the US and abroad. Their network has grown to include 98 local chapters, with each operating to suit the needs of their communities. Furthermore, in 1994, they established Collegiate 100 as auxiliary chapters on college campuses, and Emerging 100 as an auxiliary for young professionals in 2010. 

You can donate to 100 Black Men of America via their website. You can also reach out to your local chapter to inquire about membership, program information, and volunteer opportunities.

Easterseals: Improving Black Special Education

Easterseals was founded in 1919 by Edgar Allen to overcome the lack of medical care available to children and adults with disabilities. Today, Easterseals remains committed to ensuring that all people with disabilities, 1 in 4 of whom identify as Black, have the opportunity to thrive. 

Charity Navigator gives Easterseals a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver rating for transparency 

“All abilities. Limitless Possibilities.”

Easterseals

Easterseals ensures that all people have the opportunity to fully benefit from their environment, including access to a high-quality and inclusive education, regardless of ability or race. They established The Intersection Collective and the Black Child Fund to support programs that drive equality within the disabled community. For example, their Project of Education and Community Health Equity works to remove barriers to high-quality early education and promote kindergarten readiness among BIPOC youth. And, they advocate for the educational needs of Black students with disabilities by providing training that addresses disparities in special education. Furthermore, they help ensure that parents know their rights while navigating the education system.

Since their founding, Easterseals have made the world a more inclusive place for more than 1.5 million people with disabilities every year, including African Americans. For example, in 2021 alone, 59,396 people utilized their Early Intervention services, while 12,814 used their Online Developmental Screening Tool to help identify and address developmental delays. And, they are a leading voice for equity within the disabled community. In 2022, they published Ignored, Punished, and Underserved, a report highlighting disparities facing Black children and families in special education.

You can donate to Easterseals via their website. You can also contribute by registering to participate in a Walk With Me event, or by volunteering with an Easterseals near you.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for African American education. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to African American education – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

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