New & Next: Philanthropy for Everyone

Nneka McPhee and Tanaka Shipp are co-founders of Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs (SPIN), a philanthropic giving circle launched in 2014 on a couple of basic ideas: that people of color are underrepresented in the world of philanthropy; and that individuals can amplify their impact when they work together.

Across the country, giving circles like SPIN are broadening the definition of "philanthropist." The term -- mainly associated with major wealth and formal institutions -- is becoming more grassroots, people-powered and inclusive. Through SPIN, Denver African American Philanthropists (DAAP) and LatinasGive!, all housed at The Denver Foundation, a new generation is driving change as well as conversation about philanthropy itself.

In August, The Denver Foundation celebrated Black Philanthropy Month, as well as a $200,000 grant  from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support its Elevate Philanthropy in Communities of Color (EPIC) initiative, at a standing-room only event at Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. And the Foundation recently celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with "Corazon y Generosidad," a photographic exhibition of Latino philanthropist from across Metro Denver; the show is on display at the Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales branch of the Denver Public Library through Nov. 30.

Here, McPhee and Shipp share thoughts on philanthropy, inclusiveness, and why it's important for people of color to view themselves as donors, givers and contributors.

Confluence Denver: Why is it important that people of color be more involved with the philanthropic dialogue and decision-making in the U.S.?

Nneka McPhee: It's the age-old adage that "if you're not at the table, you're on the menu." The lack of minority involvement in these important conversations not only perpetuates real and perceived dependency, it does nothing to empower communities of color to be at the forefront in charting their own destiny. Once I understood that I could be on the "supply" side of philanthropy, it completely changed how I viewed my role in my community. It made me want to be more involved in addressing the issues that were important to me.

Tanaka Shipp: So many times gifts from wealthy white donors are appreciated; however it "feels" like a handout to many on the receiving end. These are faceless emotionless donations to satisfy a tax write-off. Whereas, donations from people of color to other people of color are given with a sense of pride. These gifts are gifts from the heart. Ultimately, being on the receiving end of a gift from a person who looks like you sparks something in others to really do their due diligence when using the funds as well as create what we think of a ripple effect in giving. These grantees now can see that they to have the power to give back because philanthropy is much more than writing a big check with no compassion for the organization or the people they serve. It's very important that people of color are included in philanthropic dialogue because so many times our voices are lost or not even recognized unless it's a discussion of what poor community are we supporting this year. Having informed passionate people of color sit at the table will allow for new perspectives and open dialogue around these issues.

CD: What prevents some African Americans and Latinos from identifying as "philanthropists," even when they are very active community members, builders and contributors?

NM: Philanthropy is a really nuanced word. It's complicated to say and even more complicated to understand. Because of that, I don't think communities of color relate to it. I also think lack of exposure is a real barrier. Minority children don't learn about or interact with philanthropists that look like them. For many, their only frame of reference for a philanthropist is a rich white man, like a Bill Gates or a Warren Buffett. We need to do a better job exposing them to our community leaders and providing them with role models they can emulate. This is one of SPIN's primary focus areas.

TS: This is a very easy question. Many people who are on the front lines "doing" the work are the complete opposite of a politician or philanthropist, so to speak. These people do the work because they know it's the right thing to do. They do not need a selfie or Facebook post to define their giving. I believe this is why so many do not identify as being philanthropists.

CD: When did the lightbulb go off for you -- that there are many ways to be a "philanthropist"? Why is it powerful to claim that word?

NM: Having worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade, the notion of philanthropy was not new to me. In spite of encouraging philanthropy every day, and even making my own charitable contributions, I did not consider myself a philanthropist. Through my interactions with The Denver Foundation and the Community Investment Network, I begin to better understand the definition of that word. What really stood out to me was the concept of being strategic. It doesn't matter how much I give, or even how often I give. What matters is that I'm conscientious and deliberate about the resources I have in order to affect the change I want to see. I do think it's important to claim and promote that I'm a philanthropists in order to make that word, and the overall notion of philanthropy, more relatable to others like me.

TS: The light bulb went off for me when I met with LaDawn Sullivan three years ago to receive a grant check through the Strengthening Neighborhoods Initiative at The Denver Foundation. She spoke of the concept of giving circles and how powerful they are yet it was a very simple concept. That is when my wheels began to turn and I started researching reaching out and asking questions about this concept. Now, having been engulfed in this work for the past two years, starting a circle and continuing to grow it has become an essential part of who I am. It's has even spilled over into my professional life as an educator. I teach my students about philanthropy and challenge them to give back in whatever ways they can to their immediate community. It's powerful to claim this word because so often people of color are depicted as the people always with their hands out. Promoting giving circles like SPIN and LatinasGive! sheds light on a few who are doing a lot which we hope will ignite others to learn about and do the same.

The Denver Foundation is an underwriter of Confluence Denver.