A Brief History of ABFE
Please take a moment and read The ABFE Story: 1971 to Today, Our History in Philanthropy.
About ABFE
The Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) holds the distinction of being the first of the Council on Foundations 38 Affinity Groups.
We were established in 1971, and since then the organization has grown into an independent membership organization that counts among its members the most influential staff, trustees and donors of grantmaking institutions that promote effective and responsive philanthropy in Black communities.
For nearly four decades ABFE has been a trailblazer for championing the interests of Black communities within the philanthropic sector. While we celebrate this history and influence, we also recognize that Black communities and the philanthropic leaders who serve those communities still face institutional and structural barriers that often hinder efforts to leverage philanthropy's powerful tools for positive, enduring social change.
Today, along with our members and supporters across the country we continue the urgent work that advances our mission in the field of philanthropy.
What is ABFE’s mission?
ABFE’s mission is to promote effective and responsive philanthropy in Black communities.
What is ABFE’s philosophy?
Our members and supporters, by way of the work they do and the role they play in philanthropy, are catalyst for advancing philanthropic practices that build on a tradition of self-help, empowerment and excellence to solve the challenges faced in Black communities.
How Does ABFE Meet Its Goals? Please visit our membership page to become an ABFE member or renew your membership. Take advantage of our Membership Directory!
To meet our goals and objectives, ABFE focuses on the following approaches:We strengthen our collaborations with key affinity groups, regional Black philanthropic networks, and nonprofit organizations to leverage our collective institutional influence, effectiveness, and impact in Black communities.