There was a concern expressed in several sessions that black giving is too often done through events that are costly to organize thereby minimizing the amount that can go directly to the cause. Middle-class blacks have not been taught to give more that a few hundred dollars, to say a dance. I can sell tickets to anything, but we don't realize that this is not the most efficient way to raise money. The cost of putting on these events far outweighs the benefits. There was a sense that blacks have many more compelling interests than their white counterparts do.
Whites can give to their church and alma mater and one other major interest and feel satisfied.
We are compelled to think about a number of ways in which we need to help our community. Giving Patterns in Baltimore There was an opinion that the black elite is somewhat segregated in Baltimore and that there is not much coordination or integration when it comes to fund raising. There was also a strong feeling that African American organizations do not get their fair share in the Baltimore area. Several also questioned whether African Americans give to their potential. There was a call for more African Americans to serve on boards to better understand the needs and to promote more giving to African American causes.