Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), held each August, was created in August 2011 by Dr. Jackie Copeland-Carson and the Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network (PAWPNet) as an annual, global celebration of African-descent giving.

Recognized by the United Nations as part of its Declaration of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent, and declared by Congressman Keith Ellison, with proclamations from Minnesota’s governor and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, all Black communities and their allies are invited to use August and beyond to promote the power of giving to transform lives.

In 2013, a widespread and concerted effort began to invite public participation in a wave of high-impact events, media stories and service projects. Expanding each year, the BPM civic engagement and awareness campaign occurs online and in communities with local and global dimensions.

Primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms. A new organizing concept frames the BPM campaign each year.

The theme for 2017 is: Giving Voice to Fuel Change.

Themes for past years were:

2016: Elevating A Culture of Giving

2015: A Season of Change

2014: Generosity At Home and Around the Globe

2013: Of Dreams And Mountaintops