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Background and History
The African American Community Fund involves African Americans directly as philanthropists. African Americans have, out of necessity, been philanthropists or, at least, have behaved philanthropically throughout our existence. "Historically our giving has been crisis driven... There has been an emergency and everyone in the community rallies" as reported in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Witness any church service where the misfortune or tragedy of a family is shared. An emotional appeal is made and the parishioners give generously to alleviate the family's plight. Crisis giving has been crucial to African Americans.
Crisis giving is a charitable act, a spontaneous, isolated, ad hoc effort initiated to address a specific need. It is not a formally organized, ongoing, focused effort designed to amass a substantial pool of dollars in order to ensure a continuous source of support. In 1989, Fannie Moore-Hopkins, retired Director of the Lorain Head Start Program, sought to change the situation.
Following the untimely death in 1988 of her husband, Charles E. Hopkins, a visionary leader known throughout the state, Fannie invited a select group of community leaders and friends to share her dream of establishing an endowment fund. Through Fannie's dedicated leadership, the Black Community Fund was created under the auspices of The Community Foundation of Lorain County. The fund name was later changed to the African American Community Fund. An advisory committee of African Americans representing the diverse interests of greater Lorain County has the major responsibility in managing this Fund.
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AACF Steak Fry Benefit
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Advisory Board
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Family of Funds
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Grant & Scholarship History
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