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Black Philanthropy Circle

Together, we lead by giving back

Indiana University is committed to creating opportunities and fostering learning environments that promote success and a culture of care across all IU campuses, enabling all community members to thrive intellectually and emotionally.

Indiana University Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Circle (BPC) is comprised of IU alumni and friends who understand the impact of philanthropy, and they join forces to drive transformative change. Each year, the Black Philanthropy Circle (BPC) awards grants to specialized programs throughout Indiana University. Funding backs initiatives designed to improve recruitment, retention, and achievement for IU students, faculty, and staff, reflecting the multifaceted communities we serve.

Many students face barriers throughout their educational journeys. We must clear these pathways so that every student can succeed.

Joyce Q. RogersExecutive Vice President, IU Foundation and founding member of BPC

Replacing obstacles with opportunities

The Black Philanthropic Circle is dedicated to promoting engagement and a sense of belonging for everyone. It provides grants to a variety of projects and initiatives that build strong support systems and networks, helping students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds thrive at IU. All IU affiliates are encouraged to apply.

Grants from the Black Philanthropy Circle have supported programs like the IU Black Student Leadership Conference, helping bring Dance Theatre of Harlem to IU campuses, and much more.

$546,947
awarded in BPC grants since 2018
Empowering Future Leaders in Sickle Cell Research at the IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis

Transforming healthcare through a new lens

More than 90% of individuals diagnosed with this blood disorder belong to a specific demographic group. These grants offer all students the chance to collaborate with faculty on sickle cell disease research.

Business Plus Program — Kelley School of Business, Indianapolis

Elevating student success in business

This program equips students from various backgrounds for college life and the demands of business school, offering a scholarship and a five-day orientation to set them up for success and help them become next-generational leaders

Showing our youth what's possible

Explore My Success is a program that brings K-12 students to the IU Northwest campus for interactive college-and career-exploration workshops.

Paving the way for future innovators

The STEM Education Career Pathway aims to provide access to community programs and services for students from a multitude of backgrounds through the Bloomington campus. STEAM offers K-12 students the chance to shadow professionals in their fields of interest.

Inspire tomorrow’s leaders as a BPC member

You have the power to effect change! As a member of the Black Philanthropy Circle, you'll join a group of people committed to creating opportunities that help students, faculty, and staff at IU.

Members commit to donating to the Black Philanthropy Circle Diversity Initiatives Fund at one of the following levels.

Active members

  • Commit to donating $5,000 annually for three years.
  • Get voting member status and eligibility to chair a committee.

Partner members

  • Commit to donating $2,500 to $4,999 annually.
  • Access to attend BPC meetings and can serve on a committee.

Associate members

  • Commit to donating $500 to $2,499 annually.

Student and recent alumni members

  • Student members commit to a $25 annual gift.
  • Recent alumni members (up to two years post-graduation) commit to donating $100-$200 for two years and $500 in year three.

Meet our members: A passion-filled community

  • Marsialle Arbuckle
  • HeLoise M. Archie (BPC Founding Member)
  • Tiffany Benjamin
  • J. Kamala Buckner (BPC Founding Member)
  • Darrell Burks (BPC Founding Member)
  • Derrick Burks (BPC Founding Member)
  • Pamela Carter
  • Regina Cross
  • Gary L. Davis (BPC Founding Member)
  • Sherry Davis
  • Charles Eberhardt III
  • Kevin M. Gay (BPC Founding Member)
  • David Girton
  • Joa'Quinn Griffin
  • Dericus Harvey (BPC Founding Member)
  • Marcus R. Hatcher (BPC Founding Member)
  • Pamela M. Hatcher (BPC Founding Member)
  • Alan Henderson
  • Dr. Gregory Henderson
  • Lacy M. Johnson (BPC Founding Member)
  • Louis G. Jordan (BPC Founding Member)
  • Kathleen A. Ligocki (BPC Founding Member)
  • Rose M. Mays (BPC Founding Member)
  • Kristin L. Mays-Corbitt (BPC Founding Member)
  • Martin McCrory
  • Donald L. Miller (BPC Founding Member)
  • Rodney M. Miller (BPC Founding Member)
  • Mary Ann Mitchell-Holand (BPC Founding Member)
  • Jewel Mosley
  • Frank Pace III
  • Anthony “Tony” Prather
  • Marisa Pratt Riggins
  • Joyce Q. Rogers (BPC Founding Member)
  • April Taylor
  • D’Juan Wilcher

  • Tavonna Harris Askew
  • Dawn M. Whitehead

  • Rosalind J. Cox
  • John Graves
  • Roberta M. Radovich
  • Russell C. Vertner

  • William Q. Buckner (BPC Founding Member)
  • James D. Fielding (BPC Founding Member)
  • Penny L. Gaither (BPC Founding Member)
  • Laurie Burns McRobbie (BPC Founding Member)
  • David Henry Jacobs (BPC Founding Member)
  • Cortez J. Johnson (BPC Founding Member)
  • Robert N. Johnson (BPC Founding Member)
  • Dale E. Leff (BPC Founding Member)
  • Alex D. Oak (BPC Founding Member)
  • Derica W. Rice (BPC Founding Member)
  • Michael D. Shumate (BPC Founding Member)
  • Teri F. Willey (BPC Founding Member)
  • James C. Wimbush (BPC Founding Member)

  • Rozelle Boyd (BPC Founding Member)

Support our mission

Your gift can help provide resources like financial assistance, educational support, leadership opportunities, and so much more. Join with Black alumni and their allies to support causes important to them.

Please donate to the Black Philanthropy Circle Diversity Initiatives fund and consider becoming a member. Contact us at bpcircle@iu.edu for more information.

Support IU's Black Philanthropy Circle