Emergent Philanthropists: America's Evolving Ethnic Donor Groups

African-American wealth
Around 2.5 million African-Americans live in households at the affluent level. Traditionally, wealth has been achieved through family business but recently has expanded to include certified professions, real estate holdings, entrepreneurial ventures, entertainment, media and professional sports. Even though affluent African-Americans donate up to 25 percent more of their discretionary income than Caucasians, few of them consider their giving as “philanthropic.” Helping those in need is simply a general obligation, and gifts of time and talent are sometimes more highly valued than cash donations.