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BPI's CAMPAIGN to support local black communities — now and forever
Advancing Bold, Black-Led Community Change
Throughout our history, BPI has pursued the same goal: to strengthen, support, and make a meaningful impact in local Black communities. As we accelerate Black-led social change at this historic point in time, we need your support to increase our investments in Black students, organizations, and families in Forsyth County.
Thanks to generous support from donors and community members, the Black Philanthropy Initiative has raised just over $1.6 million of our $2 million goal to-date. We’re excited to share that in May 2024, we secured a surprise $200,000 matching donation from an anonymous donor. This means that every new donation and pledge to BPI will be matched 100% – up to $200,000!
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Making a Difference in Local Black Communities
As the only 100% Black-led funding initiative explicitly focused on strengthening Black communities in Winston-Salem, BPI offers a powerful way to give back and pay it forward. Through collective giving, grantmaking, and community engagement, BPI helps to ensure local organizations have what they need to advance racial equity and respond to community needs.
The Intersectionality of Black Life and Being
BPI's second community research report — The Intersectionality of Black Life and Being — amplifies community voices, needs, and recommendations for achieving a more equitable and prosperous future for Black communities in Forsyth County. Published in October 2023, the report was produced in partnership with Action4Equity, Forsyth Futures, and a cohort of participants using a community-based research framework.
News & Events
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SUPPORTER
Corlis Sellers
I believe that each of us is born with a gift and we’re destined to share that gift for the greater good. As a Black woman, I’ve been richly blessed throughout my life by my village—my family, my church, and my community. This village has allowed me to thrive despite the adversities that I’ve faced. It’s my privilege to serve Winston-Salem through BPI because I get to be a part of a village that lifts up members of this community.
Board Member
Tiffany Waddell Tate
Despite the history and impact of racism and inequity in our community, BPI is a space where I’ve seen the power of community and collective economics, family, and partnerships within the Black community turn into real action. Unlike outdated views of philanthropy, we’re interested in making contributions and connections that meet people and communities where they are. This mission is powerful, and I believe it’s critical to be part of this work as an active contributor and sponsor.
SUPPORTER
Melvin Scales
In many ways philanthropy is a calling—we all have special God-given gifts which allow us to bring about the best in ourselves and in others. This giving of our gifts, whether in the form of time, talent, or treasure, makes us good stewards of the resources we have. I’ve chosen to be part of BPI because it is a debt I owe to those who have paid it forward to me—in turn I am morally obligated to do the same for others.
SUPPORTER
Nicole Little
Philanthropy creates space for people to give a portion of themselves to improve the everyday lives of other human beings. As a first-generation college student, I personally benefitted from the philanthropic efforts of other individuals, many of whom I never met. I love being part of BPI because we approach philanthropy as an ever-evolving concept that must be able to bend and adapt based on the needs of the community.
SUPPORTER
Mae Rodney
An array of individuals and events came together to provide me more than the necessities of life, often at exactly the right moment. My mentors were generous in many ways, and this lifetime of good fortune requires me to give back so others can have access to the same opportunities I had. I am part of BPI because we are trying to make a difference in areas where needs are great, which reflects my lifelong motto.
Amplifying Stories of Impact
Explore our latest posts highlighting inspiring people, bold ideas, and ways we’re making a difference in the local Black community.