There is a strong history of Black Philanthropy in the US which is well documented. In the UK less so, although there are prominent black individuals and businesses that are well known for their social aims and charitable work.

Communities Inc, a new national body set up in a period of rapid change to ensure communities remain central to influencing and directing their futures, is exploring the interest it has picked up on in developing a National Black Philanthropists Network, a Centre for Black Philanthropy and a Black Causes Fund. It would act as a vehicle that could draw in substantial resources for issues that most persistently affect black communities, including health, poverty, inequality, unemployment and crime.

Shamsher Chohan, who co-founded Communities Inc with Michael Henry, says: “From our initial research we have found that there is a need for a national infrastructure to facilitate this in a more co-ordinated manner so that black individuals and businesses that want to support black causes can do so.

 “The current public sector funding landscape is looking bleak, with a mixture of funding cuts and increased competition. Organisations that serve black and minority communities are being decimated locally as a result and desperately need alternative sources of support and resources. 

 “We intend firstly to develop the network through further research and then establish the fund through this.”

Should you wish to be kept informed of this or get more involved, contact Shamsher: shamsher@communitiesinc.org.uk or call 07966 461936.

Communities Inc brings creativity and innovation to the most persistent social and community problems, enabling fresh approaches to be implemented involving those most affected by the issues in determining sustainable solutions.