More The Merrier

Where would the Giving Back Project be without the support of organizations that have purchased  Giving Back in bulk? While that’s a rhetorical question, I know for certain that such orders have not only accelerated individual sales but also expanded the geographical reach of the book and boosted awareness about our campaign to “reframe portraits of philanthropy.”

Nearly a dozen groups have purchased 10 or more copies of Giving Back to give as a gift to trustees, donors, youth, award recipients, special guests at events and other stakeholders of the organization—it’s a memento of appreciation and inspiration that literally gives back.

We’re grateful to every organization that has bought multiple books. Those that have purchased 50 or more books hold a special distinction. And thus, here’s a bulk delivery of gratitude and a shout-out to the Giving Back Project’s most generous book buyers, which are listed below.

We cannot thank you enough!

Rebuilding Our Communities, Inside Out

“The messages in your book and the work of the Community Investment Network are critical today. Local African American donors and others are replicating the early investments that our ancestors made in building the United States. 21st century technological innovations and the resulting economic shifts obligate us to rebuild our communities from the inside out. We must all invest in places where we live, work and worship—the places that we love.

“Thank you for reminding each of us that strong democratic communities require all to give time, talent and money. Our families, institutions and communities are depending on us.”

— Linetta J. Gilbert, co-leader of The Declaration Initiative and longstanding CIN supporter, in response to my recent interview on The Tavis Smiley Show about Black philanthropy and Giving Back.

Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer

Shifting from ‘Me’ to Movement of Conscious Philanthropy

Listen to my recent conversation with Tavis Smiley about Black philanthropy and Giving Back on his nationally syndicated radio program, The Tavis Smiley Show.

During the interview, Tavis questions whether any hope remains in rekindling a spirit of compassion and generosity in a culture that seems to be degenerating and glorifying a me-and-mine mentality. Hear my response . . . and then share yours here.

The book Giving Back is a centerpiece of the Giving Back Project, which aims to ignite a movement of conscientious philanthropy by empowering a generation to recognize their power and responsibility to give back.

The interview airs on The Tavis Smiley Show through Friday, May 25. Tune in and then share the link and your thoughts. — VF

Charles W. Thomas Jr., photographer