Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) is a global celebration and campaign to elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. Since its founding, BPM has grown into the world’s only global Diasporan movement dedicated to celebrating and empowering Black giving in all its forms—from traditional philanthropy to business and venture investment.
At the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF), we’re proud to honor Black Philanthropy Month by spotlighting local community members who are transforming lives through their generosity, leadership, and vision for a Genesee County where everyone can thrive.
The Links-Flint Area Chapter
Founders of the Flint Kids Matter Fund
The Flint Area Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is an organization of professional Black women committed to friendship and service, which has long worked to uplift and strengthen communities. In 2015, as the Flint water crisis unfolded, members of the local chapter acted swiftly, establishing the Flint Kids Matter Fund at CFGF to support youth exposed to lead-contaminated water.
“As women connected to a community amid the crisis, we knew a solution was needed,” said member Linda Morris Belford. Their efforts sparked support from fellow Links chapters across the country, raising over $120,000 at a statewide fundraiser in Detroit.
The Fund continues to support health and community-based services for Flint youth.
Carma Lewis
President, Flint Neighborhoods United | CFGF Board Member
Long before she was a leader in Flint’s civic life, Carma Lewis was beautifying her neighborhood one landscape at a time. That early passion for service evolved into a lifelong mission, now reflected in her roles as President of Flint Neighborhoods United and a member of CFGF’s Board of Trustees.
“Flint is my home, and it is my job to take care of home,” she shared in a Philanthropy Speaks podcast episode, where she talked about growing up in Flint and why giving back is part of her DNA. Listen here.
Dominique Strong
Founder, UMA Strong Marshall Outreach | Vice Chair, Neighborhoods Small Grants Committee
For Dominique Strong, philanthropy is a purpose. As founder of UMA Strong Marshall Outreach (USMO), she works with youth ages 5 to 12 through mentorship, reading, writing, and computer literacy programs. The initiative grew from a grassroots effort called Warming Bodies Through Love and continues to reflect Dominique’s belief in investing to move Flint forward.
“I know my purpose and my drive are to change the narrative for Flint in many ways, and also to help move Flint forward” she says. “I’m a giver at heart.”
Mark & Becky Miller
Legacy Society Members | Philanthropic Partners
Mark and Becky Miller believe giving is a legacy. Mark, who chairs CFGF’s Board of Trustees, and Becky, a retired General Motors senior engineer, have a heart for service shaped by their upbringing and careers.
“After marrying Becky, my legacy grew stronger and even more focused,” Mark says. “We both agree, that to be philanthropists you just have to have a heart to care, and a willingness to share.”
Their giving supports areas from literacy to the arts, and they joined the Legacy Society to ensure their impact lives on for generations.
Necole Hayes
Executive Director, Motherly Intercession
After starting her career in child welfare in Oklahoma, Necole Hayes felt called to Flint, where she now leads Motherly Intercession—a nonprofit focused on breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration.
“Motherly Intercession opened my eyes to the possibilities of what we can do when we work together,” she says. That belief in partnership runs through everything the organization does, from parenting classes to programs that reconnect children with parents who are incarcerated.
Gabrielle Clarke
Youth Leader | CFGF Board Member | Secretary, Countywide YAC
A senior at Flushing High School, Gabrielle Clarke is already a changemaker. She serves as Secretary of CFGF’s Countywide Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), a youth-led grantmaking program that has awarded more than $1.5 million since 1992. She also holds a voting seat on CFGF’s Board of Trustees, bringing youth voice directly to the table. YAC members like Gabrielle learn firsthand what it means to give back and guide grantmaking that reflects community needs.
DeAndra Larkin
CEO, YWCA of Greater Flint | CFGF Board Member
As CEO of the YWCA of Greater Flint, DeAndra Larkin is leading one of the community’s most essential organizations for women and families. She also brings her expertise to CFGF’s Board of Trustees and serves on the Flint Women and Girls Grant Advisory Committee, where she helps direct resources to empower those most impacted by systemic inequities.
The Power of Local Giving
This Black Philanthropy Month, we celebrate these extraordinary individuals and the many others across Genesee County who give with purpose. Learn more about Black Philanthropy Month here.
