What better way to kick off Black Philanthropy Month than by coming together to celebrate the people, communities, and traditions that continue to shape philanthropy?

On August 1, CircleUp Alabama brought giving circle members, philanthropy leaders, nonprofits, and community voices together in Birmingham for a day of connection, learning, and celebration centered on Black philanthropy and the growing collective giving movement.

Philanos was proud to partner with Philanthropy Together, Grapevine, BackBlack, and local Alabama partners to help bring this regional gathering to life. Philanos was represented by Renuka Sastri, Philanos Co-Chair, and Michelle Cottrell and Tyeshia "Ty" Wilson, Philanos Board Members.

Throughout the day, participants explored the history and future of Black philanthropy, the role of community-led giving, and the ways giving circles are bringing more people into philanthropy while strengthening connections to local communities.

The gathering also put collective giving into action. Participants worked together to create a giving circle from the ground up, discussing its name, values, and priorities and experiencing firsthand the conversations and collaboration at the heart of this model.

One message came through again and again: philanthropy is about far more than dollars. It is about people coming together around shared values, listening to communities, building relationships, and putting generosity into action.

That message is especially meaningful during Black Philanthropy Month, which celebrates the rich history and enduring traditions of Black giving while elevating the people and organizations leading philanthropy today. CircleUp Alabama created space to honor that history while looking ahead to what is possible when more people have a voice and a place in philanthropy.

For Philanos, this is also why CircleUps matter.

Our national network is strengthened when we create opportunities for people to come together regionally to share experiences, learn from one another, and build relationships across giving circles and communities. Each CircleUp reflects its own local community while connecting participants to something larger: a growing collective giving movement across the country.

We were especially pleased to connect with Philanos Affiliates and other collective giving leaders from across the region and to continue building relationships with partners who share our commitment to expanding and strengthening collective giving.

Many voices. One movement.

CircleUp Alabama showed what that looks like in action.

Learn more about Philanos CircleUps and upcoming gatherings