A recent survey commissioned by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and conducted by the Community Research Institute at Grand Valley State University (CRI) revealed that African Americans are generous and give both time and financial support to a variety of causes. The Community Foundation is launching an outreach effort to minority communities to help build endowment funds that are specifically designed to support African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American nonprofits.
The research was conducted in the fall of 2005 using a random sample of 700 people, 214 of whom were African American. It is the first survey of its kind in Kent County that specifically sought the opinions of African Americans on the topic of giving and volunteering. The Community Foundation and CRI complete the Giving and Volunteering survey every two years.
The research found that 71 percent of African Americans in Kent County report that they contributed money, property or both to a charity or nonprofit last year. Those African Americans with higher levels of education report more giving – at about 80 percent.
The research also found that African Americans give most of their charitable gifts to religious organizations and faith-based causes – about 83 percent of their donations are contributed there. Other favored causes are social services, education and youth efforts.
The giving philosophy of Community Foundation donors Bradford and Dr. Andola Mathis has a faith-based focus, though their favorite causes are health and housing. “Our philanthropic philosophy comes from our faith in God and generosity has been taught and demonstrated to us by our parents. Money passes through human hands, bank accounts stocks and bonds, however, it (ultimately) is not ours, therefore to be willing give it back into the community in a responsible manner that demonstrates a level of stewardship is our human reflection of God’s grace and our love for other people,” said Bradford Mathis.
According to the research, African Americans gave at a significant level to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina – 74 percent of all Kent County residents (both black and white) report that they gave to help with emergency and rebuilding efforts. Interestingly, 63 percent of African Americans report that they volunteered either locally or in the Gulf Coast region after the hurricane.
Concerning volunteering in the community, 40 percent of African Americans surveyed volunteer for a variety of causes; African American women and those with more wealth report more frequent volunteering at the 57 percent rate. Those surveyed report volunteering about 20 hours a month.
When asked are most charitable organizations and are honest and ethical in their use of funds? 71 percent of the African Americans concurred – leaving room for nonprofits to build more trusting relationships with African American donors.
Of the African Americans surveyed, 53 percent believe that the individual has impact in making the community a better place to live “We know that African Americans are more likely to give and volunteer informally without the benefit of an established nonprofit. African Americans are passionate supporters of extended family members with whom they have direct connections. This may be why we believe giving works,” said Jonse Young, Planned and Major Gifts Director for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s effort, the Communities of Color Initiative will introduce the Community Foundation to new audiences and with the goal of building trust and strengthening relationships with minority communities. The Foundation will celebrate the giving histories of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans in a multi-year outreach effort.