Every February, we honor the contributions and impact of Black and brown Americans on the United States. 

The nonprofits we share below touch many facets of life for Black and brown Americans, ranging in focus from developing character and leadership through artistic expression to funding Black female entrepreneurs; and from boosting Black political power through grassroots organization to supporting Black mental health professionals. 

The nonprofits

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Life Pieces To Masterpieces

This nonprofit’s goal is to develop character and leadership, unlock potential and prepare Black boys and young men from Washington DC’s Wards 7 and 8 to transform their lives and communities. With artistic expression and “Each One Teach One” mentoring at its core, Life Pieces To Masterpieces helps youth become catalysts for positive change in the world. The after-school program and summer program for 3- to 14-year-olds provide critical out-of-school time for "apprentices" to engage in the arts, develop resiliency and practice key academic components. Saturday Academy provides college and career readiness training, as well as Black male development, to high school “apprentices” ages 14 to 18 who are preparing for post-secondary success. Finally, Color Me Community(TM) workshops provide a nurturing and nonjudgmental environment for people of all races to safely grapple with issues that deeply divide and separate them.

The nonprofit uses a Give Lively-powered fundraising page with dedications enabled to capture donations through its website, and another Campaign Page for its annual fundraiser, “Courage on Canvas 2024.”

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Fearless Foundation

This organization provides capital, community, mentorship and education to women of color entrepreneurs. Fearless Foundation believes that women of color are the unrecognized economic powerhouses of our world, and is committed to helping them build successful businesses that create jobs, generate revenue and strengthen communities.

The nonprofit uses a Give Lively-powered fundraising page to capture donations through its website. Donors can also send the text code “FEARLESSFOUNDATION” to 44321 to donate via Give Lively’s Text-to-Donate product. 

Deconstructing the Mental Health System Inc

This nonprofit is a resource for mental health professionals who are actively increasing access to mental health and wellness services for Black people, Indigenous people and people of color. Deconstructing the Mental Health System Inc (DMHS) assists emerging Black therapists, Indigenous therapists and Therapists of color in obtaining, maintaining and navigating the bureaucracy of mental health licenses by offering free public advertisement and marketing of services through a Therapy & Wellness Directory, as well as encouraging participation as volunteers in the DMHS Free Therapy & Wellness Program. DMHS also offers necessary tools, including free clinical supervision by fully licensed approved supervisors.

The nonprofit uses a Give Lively-powered fundraising page with dedications enabled to capture donations through its website.

Jack and Jill of America Foundation

This organization is the oldest African American-led nonprofit organization in the United States and the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America Inc. The mission of Jack and Jill of America Foundation is to invest in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term. It believes that every child deserves access to quality education, healthcare and a safe and nurturing environment. Through its grant program, it supports organizations that provide educational opportunities for underserved communities, particularly those that serve African American students, and it supports programs that promote healthy lifestyles, increase access to healthcare services and address health disparities that disproportionately affect African Americans.

In 2023, this organization used a Give Lively-powered “Kickin' It for a Cause - Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop” to collect donations in the lead up to the Fall Sneaker Ball Fundraiser. 

The Equity Alliance

This Tennessee-based organization advocates for equitable opportunities and systems that improve quality of life for Black people. The Equity Alliance (TEA) is a nonpartisan grassroots organization led by award-winning Black women. It envisions a society where Black communities are thriving and have equitable access to power, resources and the freedom to choose quality of life. The mission of TEA is to unapologetically build independent Black political and economic power by educating, empowering and mobilizing Black people to take action. 

In 2023, The Equity Alliance used a Give Lively-powered Campaign Page to fundraise over $120,000 for the “4th Annual Black Women's Empowerment Weekend Powered By The Equity Alliance.”