African American Philanthropy

The Advisory Committee of the Promising Scholars Fund meets on a regular basis. The Fund was established in 2007 by the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity to provide scholarships for African American students graduating from a Connecticut high school and pursuing higher education.

Recognizing that there are unique issues that impact the African American community, The Foundation works with African American leaders to carry-out their philanthropic goals to address those and other issues. Funds can be created to honor the memory of a loved one or provide the gift of education through a scholarship. Or do both, as in the case of the Kimbro Family Funds. They can distribute grants in perpetuity to programs that eliminate health disparities.

In addition to using endowment building as a way to increase the amount of philanthropy in and for the African American community, The Foundation serves as a convener of African Americans wishing to make a difference. One such group is the African American Legacy Council, whose mission is to recognize, advance and support the powerful traditions of learning, living, working and giving in African American communities.

The Alliance of African American Nonprofit Executives (AANE) is a supportive, proactive, innovative group of leaders who are committed to strengthening African American not-for-profit, human service organizations and the service-delivery systems in Greater New Haven.  Our collective dedication and compassion to address issues and policies will enable us to serve as advocates for change within our organizations and communities.

If you are interested in learning more about African American philanthropy at The Foundation, contact Cathy Graves at cgraves@cfgnh.org or call (203) 777-2386.

Grants & Scholarships