The Indiana University Black Philanthropy Circle is proud to announce a $150,000 gift to the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, within IUPUI’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Allocated over a period of three years, the gift furthers the strong relationship between the Mays Family Institute and the Black Philanthropy Circle in understanding, supporting and advocating for philanthropic giving in historically underserved communities. 

“It is remarkable to see the progress the Black Philanthropy Circle has made in its first few months, and the gift to the Mays Family Institute is no exception,” said James C. Wimbush, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, dean of The University Graduate School, Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership and founding member of the Black Philanthropy Circle. “I am particularly excited that this announcement comes during Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the groundbreaking work taking place within the Black community and honor the leaders making this change possible.” 

The gift to the Mays Family Institute marks a highlight in the growth of the Black Philanthropy Circle. In 2018, 23 passionate alumni and friends of Indiana University launched the Black Philanthropy Circle, a giving circle that supports academic resources, creates scholarships and funds initiatives to improve access to education and erase barriers to degree attainment for members of the Black community. In the months since its launch, the Black Philanthropy Circle, which works in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, has raised nearly $400,000 to support its mission. 

“Through the work of the Black Philanthropy Circle, we are able to pursue two key goals: to support the Black community at Indiana University and to bring more representation of underrepresented communities into the whole field of philanthropy,” said Dr. Rose Mays, founding member of the Black Philanthropy Circle, professor emerita of Indiana University and member of the Mays family, after which the Mays Family Institute is named.​ 

During this time, the Black Philanthropy Circle has closely tied its efforts to the work of the Mays Family Institute. With a focus on research, training and outreach, the Mays Family Institute is the country’s leading higher education institution that empowers the study of philanthropic giving within diverse communities. 

“The Mays Institute’s research is revealing the rich legacy of charitable giving among under-represented communities, including the long-standing generosity of African-Americans,” said Dr. Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. “This remarkable gift from the Black Philanthropy Circle significantly strengthens the Mays Institute and will allow us to reach new levels of discovery and impact for current and future generations of diverse philanthropy.”

According to Joyce Q. Rogers, Indiana University Foundation vice president for development and external relations for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs and founding member of the Black Philanthropy Circle, both the circle and the Mays Family Institute provide the opportunity for fresh perspectives and new leaders to get involved with philanthropy. Rogers also expressed hope that the Black Philanthropy Circle will act as an example for other philanthropic groups looking to make a difference in their communities. 

“It provides the opportunity to dive deeper in the area of fundraising and bring new faces to the table in all ways: not just from a donor perspective, but from a leadership perspective,” Rogers said. 

For more information about joining the Black Philanthropy Circle, visit the circle’s website.