Mission & History

Why Black Philanthropy?

Racial inequities exist in all our systems, including criminal justice, health, housing, wages, and education, and they continue to disproportionately affect Black people in Forsyth County.

BPI is a 100% Black-led initiative of The Winston-Salem Foundation that is explicitly, not exclusively, focused on grantmaking and programming that strengthens our local Black communities. By joining together with people from all walks of life in Forsyth County, we work to educate and effect change to build a better future for Black people, their families, and their communities.

Our History

Since 2003, BPI has built on a generous and deep legacy of philanthropy in Winston-Salem’s Black communities. Learn more about our history, how we got started, and the exciting growth we’ve experienced.

our mission

The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) engages people to invest their time, talent, and treasure to strengthen and support Black communities in Forsyth County.

What we Do
  • Black Philanthropy: Building on strong giving traditions and investing collective time, talent, and treasure to strengthen Black communities in Forsyth County.
  • Targeted Grantmaking: Providing grants to local nonprofits and organizations to advance economic and educational equity with an explicit focus on Black individuals and communities.
  • Research + Advocacy: Coming together as a community to discuss systemic barriers, both current and historical, that stand in the way of and deny Black community members the resources they need to build a better future.

Why BPI?


Hear from our nonprofit partners Neighborhood's Hands and Sherman Academy as they discuss what BPI grants are making possible within their organizations and out in the community.

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