Our Story
From The Beginning: In 2003, young African Americans held conversations across the American South about pressing social challenges, civic engagement and how to give back. Through these conversations, it was discovered that creating a giving circle to bring their resources together, that they could help create the change they wish to see in their communities. In partnership with The Ford Foundation, seeds were sown to create The Community Investment Network.
The Community Investment Network (CIN) was established to support and encourage the development of “giving circles” and other collective giving models. A giving circle is a group of individuals who pool their personal time, talent, treasure and testimony to address social issues impacting their communities using thoughtful giving strategies.
Mission
The Community Investment Network (CIN) inspires, connects, and strengthens African Americans and communities of color to leverage their collective resources to create the change they wish to see.
CIN pursues a bold mission anchored in four main strategies:
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Identifying pathways towards institutional philanthropy for individuals and community groups.
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Cultivating a new cadre of philanthropic leaders from communities of color who recognize their civic responsibilities and their power to influence mainstream philanthropy.
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Creating space for members to learn the history of philanthropy, generate ideas, share lessons and successes and pursue opportunities to give back.
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Broadening understanding of the nonprofit sector and community-based efforts, particularly around public policy and social justice.
