40 black organizations that should be on your radar

These Black-led organizations aren’t just making headlines—they’re making history.

From healing communities to feeding families, these 40 organizations are flipping the script on philanthropy and building a future rooted in justice, joy, and generational impact.

Each of these associations, community groups, nonprofits, and businesses is led by and primarily serves Black communities locally, nationally, and globally. Some are even using Givebutter to power their mission. 

Did you know?

Givebutter is giving away $10K to Black-led nonprofits this August! Learn more and apply →

Black nonprofit organizations

From climate justice to arts advocacy, these Black-led nonprofits are tackling some of society's most pressing challenges. Each organization brings innovative solutions and community-centered approaches to create lasting change.

1. The Women Invested to Save Earth (WISE) Fund  

Founded by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, the WISE Fund supports underfunded Black, Indigenous, and women-of-color-led organizations across the world working on novel solutions to the most pressing challenges facing low-income regions hit hardest by climate change.

⭐ Impact: This Black charity funds, coaches, and builds community and wellness for Black and allied women leaders. It also produces Black Philanthropy Month, a global campaign that celebrates Black giving and calls for greater investment in Black leadership in philanthropy.

2. Anderson Center for the Arts

Anderson Center for the Arts (formerly Harris County Cultural Arts Center) is a decades-old nonprofit theater production company near Houston, Texas. It serves as an invaluable cultural hub for Black residents and other people of color in the region.

⭐ Impact: Their 20,000-square-foot venue provides space for performances, art exhibits, events, and advocacy. It also houses the Harris County Arts Coalition, which brings local artists and organizations together to support the performing arts economy.

3. Black Women for Wellness

Black Women for Wellness is a California-based nonprofit that takes a holistic approach to promoting health equity for Black women—combining community outreach and education with research and policy advocacy.

⭐ Impact: From maternal health and diabetes prevention to healthy hair, environmental justice, and voter engagement, BWW initiatives model what empowering programming can really look like. 

4. The Brotherhood Sister Sol

Originally based out of a Harlem brownstone, The Brotherhood Sister Sol helps educate, train, and organize Black and Latinx young people to build the futures they want to see.

⭐ Impact: Since 1994, "BroSis" has been developing Black and Latinx youth leaders through wraparound services, education, and skills training—equipping young New Yorkers to be fierce organizers and advocates for themselves and their communities. 

5. International Black Film Festival

Based in Nashville, TN, the International Black Film Festival celebrates the diversity of Black artistic voices across the globe through incredible programming year after year.

⭐ Impact: The only African-American film festival in the state of Tennessee, IBFF has celebrated and amplified “underserved and unheard voices” around the world for two decades.

6. The Hope Gain Center

The Hope Gain Center is a Black-led nonprofit reducing employment barriers for people with mental health disabilities. 

⭐ Impact: HGC supports skill-building, provides work experience, and partners with employers to create more job opportunities—especially remote roles—for individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

7. Creative Justice

Creative Justice combats the school-to-prison pipeline through healing arts programs, direct services, and restitution relief in the Seattle area.

⭐ Impact: CJ’s compelling fundraising campaign calls on non-Black salaried professionals who are enjoying paid time off on Juneteenth to donate their wages in support of Black-led community organizations.

8. Life Renewed 

This Black nonprofit, Life Renewed, focuses on supporting those who have experienced abuse by intimate partners. They offer shelter, counselling, and financial guidance—all with the intent of helping families move forward.

⭐ Impact: Life Renewed is building its first domestic violence shelter, which will serve as a safe haven for women and children in their Greensboro, North Carolina, community.

9. Thrive USA 

This Atlanta-based organization works to bridge the educational gap by connecting historically disadvantaged students with increased access to higher education opportunities. Their community-focused approach emphasizes building relationships between students and institutions, particularly HBCUs. 

⭐ Impact: Thrive USA organized a Girls & Boys With A Purpose College Fair to help Atlanta-area students connect with colleges and universities, excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the world around them.

10. YE Foundation 

This Black-owned foundation tackles environmental challenges in underserved countries through innovative waste management solutions. Their pioneering work addresses energy policies and regulations, R&D technologies, and environmental issues affecting vulnerable communities worldwide.

 ⭐ Impact: YE Foundation hosted its 2nd Annual Fundraising Awards Gala with auction and peer-to-peer fundraising to support environmental initiatives, beginning with projects in Haiti.

11. Gabrielle's Wings

Dedicated to empowering elementary-aged children of color, this organization provides enrichment opportunities in underserved neighborhoods. They use creative storytelling and video content to showcase their transformative educational work. 

⭐ Impact: Gabrielle's Wings organized a virtual walk-a-thon with multiple participation options, raising over $25K in donations!

12. G.W.C. Brown Legacy Education Fund

Committed to educational excellence, this scholarship-focused organization provides essential resources to empower underprivileged students. They support their mission through black-tie events filled with networking and entertainment. 

⭐ Impact: G.W.C. Brown Legacy Education Fund hosted a Black & Gold Scholarship Ball, offering tickets, VIP opportunities, and corporate sponsorships all in one convenient platform for supporters.

13. Unprecedented Chicago

Focused on empowering young Black men, this organization provides tools and resources to help them become community leaders. They celebrate donor engagement during significant cultural moments like Black Philanthropy Month. 

⭐ Impact: Since 2020, Unprecedented Chicago has awarded $13.5K in scholarships and mentored 16 young men, supported by gifts collected through their donation form.

14. Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute

This literacy-focused organization helps thousands of students discover joy in reading while developing their leadership potential. They organize classroom visits and provide diverse books with positive, relatable characters. 

⭐ Impact: Planting People Growing Justice has donated over 38,000 books and reached more than 7,000 children since their founding. Their 9th Annual Community Celebration aims to raise $100K to continue their impact—from funding an entire classroom’s worth of books to launching a school-wide literacy event.

Give deeper

Explore the ultimate list of Black philanthropists, foundations, and more →

National Black organizations

Black-led organizations across America are creating powerful change, addressing everything from civil rights and social justice to education, health, and economic empowerment.

15. Word in Black

A project of the Local Media Foundation, Word in Black was founded by a group of ten Black publishers who launched the Fund for Black Journalism to address the urgent need for local reporting by and for Black communities. 

⭐ Impact: Word in Black works to amplify Black stories in local media across the country and serves as the source for top-quality reporting, interviews, op-eds, and other critical racial justice content—all in one place. 

16. PolicyLink

PolicyLink is a national organization that finds, supports, and promotes initiatives, large and small, that positively impact communities by increasing access to opportunity in areas like housing, transportation, and racial equity. 

⭐ Impact: Collaborating with partners across the country, PolicyLink has been a leader in articulating what racial equity actually looks like in practice—and what it requires of society.

17. Children’s Defense Fund

For decades, the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) has been the moral compass for those seeking to end child poverty, improve the quality of life in marginalized African American communities, and disrupt the "Cradle to Prison Pipeline" that has disproportionately impacted Black children and their families.  

⭐ Impact: Since 1995, more than 200,000 K–12 scholars have embraced the CDF Freedom Schools program created by this Black charity organization.

18. Black Girls Code

Black geeks unite! Black Girls Code is a nonprofit founded by self-described nerdy mom Kimberly Bryant to create more opportunities for girls of color in STEM. 

⭐ Impact: This organization, which has chapters across the country, is actively training one million girls to "lead, innovate, and create" in the tech sector by 2040. 

19. Black Male Voter Project

Countering centuries of disenfranchisement and voter suppression (from slavery through the New Jim Crow), the Black Male Voter Project works to engage Black men in the electoral process.

⭐ Impact: With Mondale Robinson at the helm, the group has focused its strategy on 17 states, where it is organizing to get 300,000 people to the polls.

20. Color of Change

Color of Change is an online national Black organization that boasts over 7 million digital  members across the United States and is committed to "building Black power, Black joy, and winning justice."

⭐ Impact: Since 2005, their research and bold campaigns have challenged the media's inaccurate representations of Black communities. They've also created a platform for members to develop and promote their own campaigns at the local level.

21. Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter, an organization that aims to highlight racism, discrimination, and racial inequality experienced by Black people, has evolved into a global movement with over 40 chapters in the United States and Canada since gaining international recognition during the 2020 protests.

⭐ Impact: The organization has successfully granted over $3 million in financial relief to 3,000 Black individuals through its Survival Fund program.

Black community organizations

Black community organizations are vital pillars of strength, advocacy, and empowerment in neighborhoods nationwide. These grassroots and community-focused nonprofits work directly with residents to address local challenges, from youth development and educational support to housing justice and economic opportunity.

22. Caribbean With Purpose

Caribbean With Purpose is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating illiteracy in the Caribbean by boosting students' reading and academic achievement.

⭐ Impact: Caribbean With Purpose launched a campaign for their Read Around the Isle Caribbean Experience—a mission trip to Jamaica that assists in supporting literacy in the region.

23. Ngoma Center for Dance

As DC's only professional dance company, Ngoma Center for Dance preserves and promotes African dance traditions while providing arts education. Their programs combine cultural preservation with contemporary artistic expression.

 ⭐ Impact: Ngoma Center for Dance's Grow Together campaign featured powerful video storytelling to fund facility rental costs and scholarships for youth dance programs. 

24. Traveling Nunk

Breaking new ground in spiritual practice, Traveling Nunk established New Orleans' first Black-led Buddhist temple. Their innovative approach blends traditional Buddhist teachings with culturally relevant community building.

 ⭐ Impact: Traveling Nunk launched a Sit with Sangha campaign to raise funds for Sangha House's grand opening. Memberships, sponsorships, and team-fundraising donations all supported this innovative mission. 

25. H.O.P.E. for Sunny Skies

This Texas-based organization serves families involved with Child Protective Services by creating safe, joyful experiences during challenging times. They use creative themes and competitive fundraising to engage their community. 

⭐ Impact: H.O.P.E. for Sunny Skies created Halloween at Home 2024, a team fundraiser with Halloween-themed graphics, to provide safe holiday experiences for families. 

26. Drexell and Honeybees Donations-Only Restaurant

A volunteer-run restaurant in Brewton, Alabama, Drexel and Honeybee’s donations-only restaurant provides their community with delicious, pay-what-you-can meals in a welcoming environment. 

⭐ Impact: Drexel and Honeybee’s has served more than 120,000 meals since opening their doors in 2018. They’re on a mission to #FeedTheNeed for years to come. 

27. A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center

Historian and professor of Black Studies, A.J. Williams-Myers, was a beloved resource for Black historical knowledge in New York's Hudson Valley. The A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center is a Kingston, NY-based community space and cultural library named in his honor. 

⭐ Impact: The center promotes literacy by uplifting “the history, experience, and culture of Black Peoples, Indigenous Peoples, and Peoples of Color” through their library collection and programming for children, teens, adults, and elders.

28. Black Arts MKE

Black Arts MKE provides performing arts programming for young people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This nonprofit Black organization also creates opportunities for local artists of color to develop their skills and grow their audiences.

⭐ Impact: Black Arts helps 3,000 students attend free performances of Black Nativity every year, has hired 125+ local artists of color, and so much more.

29. Brave Space Alliance

A Black- and trans-led LGBTQ+ center on Chicago's South Side, the Brave Space Alliance weaves together mutual aid programs and community services. 

⭐ Impact: BSA’s programs provide food, housing, and dynamic community-building initiatives that help grow a thriving BIPOC queer community. They stress a "for us by us" model that is culturally competent and affirming for everyone who walks through their doors.  

30. Mill Creek Urban Farm

For over two decades, Mill Creek Urban Farm in West Philadelphia has been a vibrant space for community education around environmental sustainability and access to affordable, healthy food.

⭐ Impact: Measuring just one-and-a-half acres, they grow an impressive variety of veggies, fruits, and flowers. Neighbors can shop at their farm stand twice a week—food stamps are accepted!  

31. Southerners on New Ground

As a member-based organization, Southerners on New Ground (SONG) unites LGBTQ+ individuals from across the South to build power and resiliency for those with multiple marginalized identities.

⭐ Impact: Through campaigns, technical assistance, and coalition work, SONG has fostered the beloved communities they envision for all people since 1993. 

32. African American Leadership Forum

The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) unites Black leaders and organizations from around the state of Minnesota to build power and address the most pressing issues facing their communities. 

⭐ Impact: Guided by a "Black-Centered Design" model, this African American organization is a growing hub for leadership development and cross-sector collaboration for truly community-led solutions.

33. Claim Our Space Now  

Committed to centering the voices and leadership of Black, queer, and immigrant New Yorkers, Claim Our Space Now lives up to its name.

⭐ Impact: COSN recently launched their Blanket Build Fund for Unhoused Neighbors campaign, raising money for supplies to create and distribute blankets to unhoused community members.

Black volunteer organizations

Black volunteer organizations harness the power of community service to address critical needs while building stronger, more connected neighborhoods. These groups mobilize volunteers to tackle everything from racial wealth gaps to birthing support.

34. Chicago Volunteer Doulas

Supporting families through birth and beyond, Chicago Volunteer Doulas provides comprehensive doula services and leadership development. Their team-based approach ensures diverse perspectives in addressing various aspects of birth support. 

⭐ Impact: Chicago Volunteer Doulas organized a team fundraising effort for their 100 Doulas Rising Leadership Development Program, with each team addressing different aspects of birth support. 

35. Black Connect

Black Connect is a nonprofit dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap in America by “increasing the number and success rate of Black-owned businesses and advancing pathways to build Black wealth through entrepreneurship.” They connect experienced volunteer mentors with students and aspiring entrepreneurs to support their growth. 

⭐ Impact: Black Connect has served 300+ aspiring entrepreneurs in helping them succeed and funded $50,000 in grants.

Black professional organizations

These organizations provide mentorship, professional development resources, and advocacy for workplace equity while creating pathways for Black professionals to excel and lead in their fields.

36. The Roots Fund

The Roots Fund creates professional pathways for communities of color in the traditionally exclusive wine industry. Their work focuses on breaking barriers and building networks within the sector. 

⭐ Impact: The Roots Fund's Back to School Campaign exceeded its fundraising goal using engaging graphics and custom donation descriptions to support career opportunities for people of color in wine.

37. Black in Marine Science

This organization champions diversity in marine science by amplifying underrepresented voices in the field. Their work builds inclusive communities while addressing systemic barriers that limit participation in marine sciences. 

⭐ Impact: Black in Marine Science launched their Ride the Wave peer-to-peer fundraising campaign to build an inclusive community addressing underrepresentation in the field.

38. Black Farmer Fund

The Black Farmer Fund was created in 2020 to support Black agricultural businesses in the Northeast by providing them with the capital they need to thrive. 

⭐ Impact: The Black Farmer Fund campaigns have raised over $12M to help Black farmers access low-interest loans and grants to grow their businesses. 

Minority and Black-owned businesses

Minority and Black-owned businesses drive economic growth, innovation, and community development while creating jobs and building generational wealth in underserved communities. 

39. World Wide Technology (WWT) 

One of America's largest Black-owned businesses, World Wide Technology, generates $20B in annual revenue and employs more than 12,000 people globally. WWT specializes in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI services, partnering with top tech brands such as Cisco, Dell, Microsoft, and NVIDIA.

⭐ Impact: Founded in 1990 by David Steward and Jim Kavanaugh, WWT has grown from a small technology reseller into a leading global solutions provider, ranking as the 19th largest private company in the United States.

40. Vista Equity Partners

Founded by Robert F. Smith, VEP manages over $100B in assets and represents one of the most successful private equity firms in the world. Smith, with a net worth of $9.2B, became the wealthiest Black American through his focus on enterprise software investments. 

⭐ Impact: Vista currently oversees a portfolio of over 90 companies that employ more than 100,000 people worldwide.

More to explore

Check out the top Black grant opportunities for major funding →

Calling all Black nonprofit organizations!

‍Are you part of an incredible African American nonprofit organization that should be on this list? Eager to share more awesome Black charities to support? Apply or nominate a campaign for our Givebutter Gives Back $10K initiative during Black Philanthropy Month—starting August 1st!

FAQs about Black organizations 

How to donate to Black organizations?

You can donate to Black-led organizations through their official websites, fundraising pages, or through charity aggregators that specialize in supporting Black nonprofits. Many organizations accept online donations, offer monthly giving programs, and even support cryptocurrency donations.

How many Black organizations are there in the United States?

According to research, about 15% of the 2 million nonprofits in the United States are Black-led, totalling over 300,000 organizations.

What is the largest Black organization?

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is widely considered the largest Black organization in the United States, with over 2,200 local branches and more than 2 million members nationwide.

Color of Change, a nonprofit that works to create a more equitable society, is another well-recognized organization with about 7 million members.

What is the most famous Black charity?

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is often considered the most famous Black charity due to its enormous impact and reach.