Black History Month is an annual celebration of accomplishments and contributions made by African Americans, highlighting their central role in the history of the United States. With this year’s celebration, it is evident that there are so many charities fighting for equality and against injustice, poverty, and racism. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for this year’s Black History Month?

The best charities for this year’s Black History Month are the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the 100 Black Men of America. Charities like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Equal Justice Initiative run initiatives that celebrate black heritage, and culture.

Whether you want to support education surrounding black history, promote social justice for African Americans, or empower underserved communities, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for this year’s Black History Month are all about, how they work, and what your best option would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities for This Year’s Black History Month Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, transparency rating, and positive impact, as well as their compassion and generosity toward honoring Black History Month. 

They operate all over the world, from North America to Asia.

All of the charities on this list are committed to uplifting the black community. 

Yet, they all share the same goals for this year’s Black History Month; to empower black people and promote equality.

These Are the 9 Best Charities for This Year’s Black History Month

Below are our favorite charities for this year’s Black History Month:

Best Charities For This Year’s Black History Month

Association for the Study of African American Life and History

The 100 Black Men of America

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Equal Justice Initiative

Black Aids Institute

Race Forward

Black Women for Wellness

DuSable Museum of African American History

United Negro College Fund

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

Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): Promoting African American Heritage

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) was founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to promote African American history. Today ASALH is the oldest and largest historical society established for the promotion of African American history.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has a 100% Accountability and Transparency Score, earning it a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator.

“To promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.”

Association for the Study of African American Life and History

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) sponsors annual Black History kick-off events and hosts the annual convention. ASALH sets the annual theme for Black History Month and publishes the annual black history theme learning resource package. They also host an essay contest for undergraduate and graduate students and promote oral, public, and local history projects.

Since their founding, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History has made significant contributions to African American heritage. For example, ASALH established Black History Month in 1926 to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Moreover, they opposed Bill 312, which sought to restrict education on historical facts relating to “race, sex, or religion” in Alabama. The organization actively advocated against the bill to ensure a comprehensive and accurate understanding of history in educational curricula.

You can donate directly to the Association for the Study of African Life and History through their website. You can also support the charity by planned giving or by purchasing items from their online store.

The 100 Black Men of America: Empowering and Uplifting Black Men Through Mentorship and Education

The 100 Black Men of America was founded in 1986 by a group of African men to improve conditions in their community. Today, the charity is the nation’s top African American-led mentoring organization.

The 100 Black Men of America has a 3-star ranking from Charity Navigator. The organization also holds a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans.”

The 100 Black Men of America

The 100 Black Men of America provides mentoring, and economic empowerment to African-American youth, giving them the opportunity to create the life they want. Furthermore, the charity works with parents, families, community partners, and schools to educate African American youth to create a better future. They also raise awareness, provide access to health care, and promote behavior change. 

Since their founding, the 100 Black Men of America have created the 100’s successful model to address specific needs in local communities. They have also developed a successful model for mentoring and developing young people into future leaders. Today, the charity has 100 Black Men Chapters that address specific needs in local communities. Through these means, they have positively impacted more than 125,000 youth across the US and abroad.

You can donate to the 100 Black Men of America through their website. You can also volunteer for the charity, empowering students and building stronger communities. 

Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Advancing Access to Education

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) was founded in 1987, under the leadership of Dr. N Joyce Payne, to promote educational excellence and prepare the next generation of workforce talent. Today, TMCF is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) receives a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. The organization also has a Platinum Seal of Transparency score from GuideStar.

“To ensure student success by promoting educational excellence and preparing the next generation of workforce talent through leadership development.”

Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) promotes career readiness through scholarships, leadership development, boot camps, and immersive experiences to prepare students. For example, they offer internships to help students grow professionally and personally. They also identify and train future innovators from HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) and PBIs (predominantly black institutions) in the skills needed to generate economic success. 

Since their founding, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has awarded over $300 million to member schools and students. For example, they gave over $5.7 million in funding to 1,153 students for the 2019-2020 school year. They have also trained 300 classroom teachers to help more than 3,200 K-12 students secure good jobs and/or internships. 

You can donate to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) through their website. You can also support the charity through planned giving or by including TMCF in your will.

Equal Justice Initiative: Fighting Racial Injustice

The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) was founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson to provide legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. Today EJI is highly regarded as one of the most dynamic and innovative legal reform programs in the United States.

The Equal Justice Initiative holds a score of 100% for accountability and transparency, earning it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“To end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenge racial and economic injustice, and to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.”

Equal Justice Initiative

The Equal Justice Initiative advocates for the end of mass incarceration through research, education, and narrative work. They also strive to reduce poverty and assist vulnerable people by providing legal services and support. Moreover, they confront the history of racial injustice through truth and justice and empower communities to change the physical landscape to honestly reflect their history.

Since their founding, the Equal Justice Initiative has opened the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which have attracted more than 600,000 people annually. Moreover, EjI’s spending on jails and prisons has increased 1000%, reaching $87 billion.

You can donate to the Equal Justice Initiative via their website. You can also volunteer to support someone returning to your community.

Black AIDS Institute: Addressing HIV/AIDS in the Black Community

The Black Aids Institute (BAI) was founded in 1999 by Phil Wilson to promote awareness and prevent the spread of HIV and Aids by targeting African American communities. Today, BAI stands as the nation’s sole and unapologetically Black HIV ‘think and do tank; at the forefront of the battle to eradicate HIV among all Black Americans.

The Black Aids Institute has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To stop the Aids epidemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals to confront HIV.”

Black Aids Institute

The Black Aids Institute set up a public education campaign to reduce HIV stigma and discrimination in the Black community through their “Cut The Stigma” program. They also provide targeted outreach to Black and Latinx men to access substance abuse treatment, HIV testing, and other services. Furthermore, they provide access to healthcare, diagnostics, referrals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as free HIV treatment through their Clinic For Us program.

Since their founding, the Black Aids Institute has reached over 3,000 people annually through their programs, training, webinars, and online materials. They have also established 25 Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN) Chapters that mobilize black communities across the country to confront HIV. In addition, they have supported the work of more than 40 local black churches to increase their congregants’ awareness of HIV through their Cut the Stigma program.

You can donate to the Black Aids Institute through their website. You can also show your support by volunteering.

Race Forward: Advancing Racial Equity 

Race Forward was founded in 1981 by Gary Delgado to provide systemic analysis and an innovative approach to racial equity. Today, Race Forward is home to the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national network of local governments working to achieve racial equity. 

Race Forward has a score of 90% and a 4-star rating for finance and accountability from Charity Navigator. They also have a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To advance racial justice in policies, institutions, and culture.”

Race Forward

Race Forward conducts research on racial justice issues, focusing on institutional and structural racism and ways to nurture and strengthen social change. They also build power for effective narratives that honor the humanity of migrants, refugees, and immigrants. In addition, they advocate for an honest, accurate and fully funded public education system to create a just, multiracial democracy.

Since their founding, Race Forward has contributed $1 million to 14 grassroot organizations to abolish oppressive systems, elevate the leadership of young people, and center the voices of people in their communities. They have also provided racial equity training to 4,000 individuals through 71 online sessions and 21 organizational training sessions. Furthermore, they have trained hundreds of people on the use and power of narrative strategy.

You can donate to Race Forward through their website. You can also support the charity by downloading their toolkits to advocate for change in your community.

Black Women for Wellness: Empowering and Promoting the Well-Being of Black Women

Black Women for Wellness was founded in 1994 by a group of six women in partnership with the Birthing Project to combat infant and maternal mortality rates. Today, Black Women for Wellness is a passionate community institution, dedicated to supporting Black women.

Black Woman for Wellness has a 4-star rating and a solid 100% financial and accountability score from Charity Navigator. The charity also has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Committed to the health and well-being of Black women and girls through health education, empowerment, and advocacy.”

Black Women for Wellness

Black Women for Wellness work to secure reproductive justice for women and girls through policy, programs, and advocacy. They also support voter education to increase the electoral and political power of black women and sponsor or support bills that affect the reproductive health choices of women and girls.

Since their founding, Black Women for Wellness has provided information to more than 27,000 residents to help them stay safe and healthy during the COVID pandemic. They also recruited residents to participate in the California Black Power Network Statewide and Regional Reparations Listening Sessions. In addition, they contacted more than 64,000 voters and distributed guides on ballot measures to over 23,000 households.

You can donate to Black Women for Wellness through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming a member and supporting their work to expand healthcare access for black women and girls.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: Preserving African American Culture

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, formerly the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art, was founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs and Charles Burroughs to educate the public about black history, culture, and art. Today, they are the longest-standing independent keeper of Black America’s history.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“Dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, study and the dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and African American.”

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center works to preserve the ideas and ethics of traditional African culture through their educational programs. They also offer special exhibitions, workshops, and lectures, to highlight works by artists, historical events, or collections.

Today, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center holds more than 15,000 pieces of African American artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and historical items. They have welcomed millions of visitors to experience their innovative and timely exhibitions and transformative educational programs. The center attracts school groups from Chicago and surrounding areas, with over 100,000 visitors utilizing its facility annually.

You can donate to the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center through their website. You can also support the charity by designating your gifts toward a specific passion or interest.

United Negro College Fund: Providing Scholarships for African American Students 

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college. Today, the charity remains dedicated to ensuring that there is equal access to further education for minority groups.

The United Negro College Fund has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To build a nationally recognized pipeline of under-represented students who become highly-qualified college graduates, and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a model of best practice.”

United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund provides scholarships to students and helps them get to and through college. The charity also strives to provide lawmakers with the information needed to make informed decisions about students and members of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and provide stakeholders with the tools to make their voices heard. They also raise awareness of the college-readiness crises to influence educational change.

Since their founding, the United Negro Collge Fund has helped over 500,000 students earn their college degrees. The 70% graduation rate for UNCF scholarship recipients is 9% higher than the national average for all students at four-year colleges. They have also awarded $11 million in scholarships to students in 5 cities; New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, and DC. 

You can donate to the Negro College Fund through their website. You can also join their volunteer group.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for this year’s Black History Month. 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 this year’s Black History Month – 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:

Sources

• Association for the Study of African American Life and History: Homepage
• Charity Navigation: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
• Association for the Study of African American Life and History: About Us
• Association for the Study of African American Life and History: Impacts
•  Association for the Study of African American Life and History: Donate
• The 100 Black Men of America, Inc: Homepage
• Charity Navigation: The 100 Black Men of America, Inc
• GuideStar: The 100 Black Men of America, Inc 
• The 100 Black Men of America, Inc: Program: Program
• The 100 Black Men of America, Inc: Who We Are
• The 100 Black Men of America, Inc: Donate
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): Homepage
• Charity Navigation: Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
• GuideStar: Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): Programs
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): About Us
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): Donate
• The Equal Justice Initiative: Homepage
• Charity Navigation: The Equal Justice Initiative
• The Equal Justice Initiative: Our Work
• The Equal Justice Initiative: Donation
•  The Black AIDS Institute: Homepage
• Charity Navigation: The Black AIDS Institute
• GuideStar: The Black AIDS Institute
• The Black AIDS Institute: Program
• The Black AIDS Institute: Donate
• Race Forward: Homepage
• Charity Navigation: Race Forward
• GuideStar: Race Forward
•  Race Forward: Our Work
• Race Forward: Donate
• Black Women for Wellness: Homepage
• Charity Navigation: Black Women for Wellness
• GuideStar: Black Women for Wellness
• Black Women for Wellness: Programs
• Black Women for Wellness: Donate
• United Negro College Fund, Inc.: Homepage
• Charity Navigation: United Negro College Fund, Inc.
• GuideStar: United Negro College Fund, Inc.
• United Negro College Fund, Inc.: Students
• United Negro College Fund, Inc.: Advocacy
• United Negro College Fund, Inc.: Our Impact
• United Negro College Fund, Inc.: Donate