CELEBRATE IMPACT

To progressively impact inclusion, equity, and diversity in philanthropy takes commitment and courage. CHANGE Philanthropy celebrates the funders that not only track their impact but also work to improve it. Below you will find a list of foundations and people recognized by our core partners for their work in moving the equity agenda forward through their philanthropic giving as well as their hiring practices. Winners listed below are from the last 10 years.

BANYAN TREE AWARD
This award is presented to an individual or institution with a demonstrated commitment to building democratic philanthropy.

  • Peggy Saika
  • Stacie Ma’agg
  • Thomas C. Layton
  • Alandra L. Washington

25 Leaders In Action

A diverse group spanning a wide range of organizations, years of experience, roles, and sectors throughout the country, their leadership covers immigrant rights, LGBTQ matters, education, affordable housing, and racial equity.

  • Cathy Cha
  • Kelly D. Chau
  • Thai Ha-Ngoc
  • Taylor & Ayden Her
  • Raj Jayadev
  • Dana Kawaoka-Chen
  • Surina Khan
  • New Latthivongskorn
  • Romana Lee-Akiyama
  • Frank Liu
  • Sharon Meada
  • Joy Messinger
  • Serena Moy
  • Lua Pritchard
  • Karthrick Ramakrishnan
  • Luna Ranjit
  • Roselma Samala
  • Neville Vakharia
  • Sue Van
  • Paul Wantanbe
  • Kauva Yang
  • Dae Joong Yoon

James A. Joseph Lecture on Philanthropy

This award is a tribute to Ambassador James A. Joseph, ABFE co-founder and distinguished leader in the field of philanthropy. It recognizes an outstanding individual whose contributions as a visionary philanthropic leader have helped advance progressive philanthropic ideals, strengthen grant-making institutions, and build vital Black communities. To read a transcript of the awardee’s speeches, please visit ABFE. Winners are from the last 25 years.
Gladys WashingtonDr. William Bell
Dr. Robert RossKaren Kelley-Ariwoola
James A. JosephCrystal Hayling
Amina J. DickersonCarrolle Perry Devonish
Carol A. GossWillis K. Bright, Jr.
Dr. Sybil Jordan HamptonLynn Huntley, Esq.
Handy Lindsey, Jr.Wenda Weekes Moore
Reatha Clark KingEmmett D. Carson
Hugh C. BurroughsJames A. Joseph
Jean E. FairfaxElridge W. McMillan
Anna Faith JonesBernard Watson
Franklin A. ThomasJames A. Joseph

Institutional Award for Philanthropic Leadership

This award was established in 2002 to recognize significant efforts and contributions of grant-making organizations to promoting philanthropy as a means for social change in Black communities. Winners are from the last 15 years.
POISE FoundationThe California Endowment
Edward W. Hazen FoundationMarguerite Casey Foundation
Northwest Area FoundationSouthern Partners Fund
W.K. Kellogg FoundationAkonadi Foundation
Edwin Gould FoundationSBC Foundation
Ford FoundationThe Twenty-First Century Foundation

Emerging Leader in Philanthrophy

This award recognizes an outstanding individual whose innovative leadership promotes philanthropy as a means of social change in Black communities and advances ABFE’s mission. Winners are from the last 15 years.

Maisha SimmonsKarris M. Jackson
Nicole R. RobinsonTrista Harris
Timothy McIntosh, Jr.Cedric Brown
Rahsaan Harris, PhDWendy Lewis Jackson
Phillip ThomasAthan Lindsay
Kanyere F. EatonAlvin Starks
Nicole Jones 

Our Vision

CHANGE Philanthropy holds a vision of transforming and challenging philanthropic culture to advance equity, benefit all communities, and ignite positive social change.

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