Community Foundation of Broward Highlights Black Philanthropy and Estate Planning in August
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
The Community Foundation of Broward is marking Black Philanthropy Month and National Make-A-Will Month in August by highlighting how individuals and families can align their charitable giving and estate plans with their values to create lasting community impact.
Black Philanthropy Month, observed globally each August, recognizes Black giving and promotes funding equity and community investment. Research from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy shows that Black Americans give a higher percentage of household income to charity than any other group and contribute at all income levels. Reflecting its core value of “Cherish Diversity,” the Community Foundation of Broward has expanded outreach since 2022 to engage more Black philanthropists, contributing to a 71% increase in charitable funds established by Black donors at the Foundation.
Local examples include endowed donor-advised funds created by Burnadette Norris-Weeks and Aaron Weeks to support racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as scholarship funds established by Community Foundation Board Chair Jonathan Allen and Timothy Allen in honor of their father, civil rights attorney W. George Allen. Through endowed funds and estate commitments, these donors are using philanthropy to advance equity and expand educational opportunity in Broward County.
National Make-A-Will Month underscores the importance of creating or updating a will, which can both direct personal assets and extend charitable impact. The Community Foundation partners with donors and professional advisors to structure estate gifts that support personalized endowed funds, providing long-term backing for selected causes and organizations. More than 150 Legacy Society members have committed a combined $500 million in future estate gifts, reflecting growing interest in strategic tools such as donor-advised funds and other planned giving vehicles.
A recent study conducted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy for the Community Foundation, “Unlocking Opportunities: Shaping the Future of Charitable Giving in Broward County,” found that identity influences how and where households give and that diverse donors have been underrepresented in mainstream philanthropy. The report points to significant untapped giving potential in Broward and increasing engagement among diverse donors who are seeking structured ways to support local priorities over time.