As Issa Rae famously declared, “I root for all Black people.” These words resonate deeply, especially at a time when Black communities are leading powerful movements for justice, education and economic empowerment. Rooting for Black success takes greater than just words – it takes motion and ongoing support. Today, over 1,000 Black-led nonprofits advocate for social justice, education and cultural preservation. These organizations don’t just fill gaps – they drive systemic change and create pathways for progress. By supporting these nonprofits, we take part in a legacy of activism that strengthens Black communities and uplifts future generations.

Equal Justice Initiative
Founded by fearless advocate Bryan Stevenson, the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is on a mission to fight for justice and dismantle oppressive systems that goal Black Americans. EJI is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment, two issues that disproportionately affect African Americans. The initiative also works to provide economic justice and opportunity for low-income families.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund
For many years, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has been the legal force behind historic victories for Black rights – from Brown v. Board of Education to difficult today’s voter suppression tactics. The LDF is a separate entity from the NAACP, formed specifically to provide legal support through the Civil Rights Movement. Today, he continues his work to protect the rights of black people, especially because it relates to voting. In 2021, LDF filed a lawsuit against the state of Georgia over racially discriminatory voter suppression laws.

Non-profit organizations specializing in education

Education opens doors. These nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to ensure Black students have access to opportunities that will strengthen their futures.

UNCF (United Negro College Fund)
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste” is the well-known slogan of the United Negro College Fund. This educational nonprofit organization supports students at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and provides scholarships and grants to 37 of those colleges and universities. HBCUs have long been underfunded and face financial challenges, and UNCF serves students at these schools by providing financial assistance and opportunities to put their knowledge into practice through internships and scholarships.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, named after the primary African-American Supreme Court justice, supports 1000’s of scholars at HBCUs across the country. The fund focuses on providing scholarships and funding to Black students pursuing higher education. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund also works to discover and develop talent, ensuring African Americans are represented in entrepreneurship. The organization works with corporations searching for highly qualified HBCU graduates to join their workforce.

Nonprofit organizations focused on economic empowerment

Economic empowerment is important for progress. These nonprofit organizations provide skills, mentorship and resources that fuel financial success for the Black community.

The Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code flips the script in technology, giving young Black women the abilities, confidence, and representation they deserve in STEM fields that have long ignored them. Currently, only 2% of tech jobs are held by Black women, leaving a critical skills gap and lack of representation. Black Girls Code provides hands-on mentorship and workshops to help young women learn to code, partnering with schools and youth communities across America to provide educational programs for Black girls.

National Urban League
Since 1910, the National Urban League has supported the civil rights and economic opportunities of African Americans. The organization’s expansive efforts have proven to be a lifesaver, addressing the whole lot from job training to removing racial barriers in housing and health care. Its primary goal is to reduce economic inequality and promote entrepreneurship and small business development amongst Black people. In 2018, the National Urban League launched a podcast discussing policy issues affecting African Americans.

(*10*)Non-profit health and wellness organizations

Black health matters. These nonprofit organizations concentrate on closing health disparities, promoting wellness and providing essential resources to those in need.

Black women’s health imperative
From higher maternal mortality rates to increased risks of heart problems and cancer, Black women face poorer health outcomes across the board. The Black Women’s Health Imperative is rewriting the narrative about Black women’s health, fighting systemic neglect through advocacy, education and uncompromising support for well-being. The organization has several signature programs focused on improving the reproductive health of Black women and treating rare diseases.

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects black people, and research into the disease has been underfunded for years. The goal of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America is to educate the general public about sickle cell disease and support those affected by the disease. The organization also hosts events that bring the community together through support and awareness while conducting groundbreaking clinical research.

Non-profit organizations dedicated to arts and culture

Black creativity shapes the world. These nonprofit organizations have fun and preserve Black culture, ensuring its wealthy legacy continues to encourage and thrive.

National Festival of Black Art
Black people have all the time expressed their culture through art, and organizations just like the National Black Arts Festival ensure that Black contributions to the humanities are not only highlighted, but celebrated. The Georgia-based nonprofit organization hosts programs and events across the country to have fun Black creators who are making cultural waves by introducing the following generation of artists, dancers, filmmakers and designers to the world.

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
Founded in 2017, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund stands between historic Black cultural sites and efforts to destroy them. Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the organization advocates for the protection and preservation of websites essential to African Americans and the African diaspora. The fund has been influential within the preservation and restoration of websites similar to the Harriet Tubman House, the house of blues musician Muddy Waters, and various historic churches and theaters.

How you can support

The best way to support Black-led nonprofits is by educating yourself and donating your money and time. Supporting the nonprofit organizations that have supported so a lot of us and our ancestors has never been easier or more essential.

Links to donate: