You love Cleveland, and so do we! There are so many ways to channel your passion for making Northeast Ohio the best place it can be for all. As Black History Month comes to a a close, we asked Cleveland Foundation Senior Director of Philanthropy Equity Initiatives Terri Eason to share a bit about the African American Philanthropy Committee and celebrating Black philanthropy in Greater Cleveland.

What is the African American Philanthropy Committee?
Founded in 1993 by the late Former President & CEO – Steven A. Minter, The African American Philanthropy Committee (AAPC) is a volunteer advisory committee comprised of various donors, professional advisors and community leaders. The AAPC’s primary purpose is to support the Cleveland Foundation’s mission by providing awareness and education to African Americans about the benefits of wealth and community preservation through philanthropy.

How can it help me make my greatest charitable impact?
The AAPC can help make the greatest charitable impact by informing, educating, and engaging individuals, groups, and businesses about charitable gift strategic planning opportunities, as well as sharing how the Cleveland Foundation serves as a philanthropic resource and partner.

How do I get involved?
A great way to start would be joining the Friends of the AAPC program. The Friends of the AAPC was established to engage and build relationships with philanthropists and prospective donors to begin their philanthropic journey by making charitable donations aligned with their philanthropic interests and/or starting new charitable funds to fulfill their donor intent. The AAPC also invites engagement by attending events, serving as ambassadors and advocating to support fundraising activities to advance philanthropy.