Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302805
LOCAL BUZZ CGEF creates a philanthropic landscape for all TO GIVE IS TO HEAL. The events of 2020, thus far, have encouraged renewed dialogue in the conversation of racial equity, justice and healing. Nowhere is that conversation more important than in the field of philanthropy. As we look for ways to heal and build a network for change, how can we connect to further encourage a sense of community? The Central Georgia Empowerment Fund (CGEF) is creating space to connect in philanthropy. Created in 2019, CGEF is a fund to encourage the inclusion of black leadership and giving to black nonprofits into the landscape of philanthropy. Our vision is to strengthen and support organizations that are black-led and black-benefitting, as well as educate about the needs of nonprofit organizations that serve the African-American community. "Central Georgia Empowerment Fund empowers every individual, no matter the color of their skin, to build up a community that is too often intentionally torn down," said Geneva West, CGEF Chair. "I encourage everyone to change the trajectory of economic disparity in our community and uplift by becoming a member of CGEF!" The fund leverages our collective resources to encourage effective philanthropy and enhance community service within the black communities in Middle Georgia. Everyone is welcome to participate. Donors become members by contributing $325 or more annually, paid once or in installments of $30 per month. Nonprofits apply for funding, and each year on Giving Black Day, those nonprofits present to members a proposal for funding. This year is mostly virtual with a theme, "To Give is to Heal." We will highlight the contributions of black organizations, educate the necessity of giving and ways to support increased sustainability. We invite you to our healing circle: • 6 p.m. Aug. 18: Black Giving Forum • 5-6 p.m. Aug. 27: Empowerment Hour: A Healing Happy Hour • 6-7 p.m. Aug. 27: Fireside Chat with Edgar Villanueva, author of "Decolonizing Wealth" • 7-8 p.m. Aug. 28: The Art of Black Giving • Aug. 28: Black Giving Expo Now is the time for action. It's time to make some good trouble in order to create an equitable landscape for philanthropy in our community. To give is to heal. To heal is to empower. How will you empower our communities today? — TONJA KHABIR LOCAL BUZZ Supporting black businesses in a global pandemic THE MACON-MIDDLE GEORGIA Black Pages and the Urban CEO created the Black Business Support Fund in June to alleviate challenges faced by black businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By now, we all know that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted African-Americans across all sectors. Delinquencies in essential payments, an increase in the homework gap and an increased death rate has created a unique challenge for the African- American community. The business sector is no different. In March, the federal government offered relief to businesses to the tune of $660 billion. It was, however, quickly realized that owners of color were least likely to receive this funding, even as the need was great. Even before the pandemic, black businesses often didn't have relationships with lenders, banks and credit unions to make their PPP approval process efficient. Many simply didn't understand or qualify under the federal terms. Out of the about 2.7 million black-owned businesses, only 120,000 have employees on payroll. And companies without payroll expenses were less likely to access funds. In listening to this conversation, we felt it was important to ensure that the businesses that we love and support right here in Middle Georgia had access to resources they needed to survive this period. Already 40 percent of black businesses across the nation have closed for good as a result of the pandemic. We didn't want to see that happen here. The fund received an overwhelming amount of support from the community. The United Way/ Community Foundation of Central Georgia COVID Relief Fund led with 22 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020