African American Legacy

Advancing philanthropy and empowerment in the African American community since 2003.

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  • $3.8 Million

    Dollars Donated

  • 250

    Grant Recipients

  • 600+

    Active Donors

  • 500+

    Organizations Impacted

2023 Donald Stewart Fellowship

AAL is excited to announce that Britney Robbins, founder and CEO of The Gray Matter Experience, is the fourth recipient of the Donald Stewart Fellowship. The Gray Matter Experience is a nonprofit that aims to educate, empower, and assist Black students in creating their own businesses. The organization provides coaching, capital, curriculum, connections, and community to level the playing field for teens as they enter the entrepreneurial space.  

The Donald Stewart Fellowship honors the life and legacy of Donald Stewart, former CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. AAL awards the Donald Stewart Fellowship annually to a leader in the African American community that embodies Stewart’s dedication to education, diversity and inclusion.  

Read more about Britney and her work here. 

The Soul of Philanthropy:
Black Giving from Generation to Generation

African American Legacy is the anchor sponsor for Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reclaimed and Exhibited in Chicago. The theme for 2023 is: Black Giving from Generation to Generation. This exhibit first premiered in August 2022 and is now on display again at the Chicago Cultural Center through April 2023. The exhibit focuses on Black Philanthropy and the ever-changing philanthropic landscape in America. Guests can view images, stories, and interactive pieces that help to tell the story of giving back by those of African descent in the United States.

October 2022: The African American Legacy Newsletter

The past two years have been filled with change, but in all that has transpired, AAL has continued its mission to uplift and support the Black community in Chicago so that they will thrive. There’s more work to do, and we hope you’ll join us and stay engaged with African American Legacy.

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    African American Legacy activates an engaged network of community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life of African Americans in Chicago through the power of collective giving, community engagement, and grant making.

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Affinity funds are groups of donors united by a shared heritage, identity, or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support a specific group of people and the nonprofits that aid them by leveraging contributions through collective giving.