THE KAPPA ALPHA PSI FOUNDATION
Taking the Next Bold Step in the New Way Forward: Why the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation is Poised to Lead the Black Philanthropic Movement
2017-18 Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation Board of Directors –standing from left: James Simms, Director; William Croom, Director Emeritus; Donald Bland, Director; Cain A. Hayes, Director; Linnes Finney, Jr, Esq., Director; Robert L. Greene, Director; and Adolphus M. Pruitt, Director. Sitting (from left to right): L-Mani Viney, Executive Director; Christopher G. Cross, Director; Michael M. Adkinson, Secretary; Thomas L. Battles, Jr., Grand Polemarch and Director; Michael J. Dubose, President; Janice Hall-Dean, President of National Silhouettes and Director; A. Ronald Berryman, Treasurer; Chester Leaks, Director; and Robert L. Harris, Esq., Director Emeritus; Not Shown: Rodney C. Adkins, 1st Vice President, Reuben A. Shelton II, Esq., Director, Kennis E. Wilkins, Director, Pierre A. LeVeaux II, Director, Gregory S. Thomas, Director, Melvin C. Hopson, Director Emeritus; and Henry E. Parker, Director Emeritus .
I n the 2015 winter edition of the Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal, the Kappa Foundation unveiled its then new strategic direction known as the New Way Forward. Its objective was to restructure the operations of the Kappa Foundation. Three years later, the Kappa Foundation has positioned itself to take its boldest step yet: to become one of the most influential Black-led philanthropic institutions in America. To understand why believe we are in the position to take this step it is im- portant to understand where the Kappa Foundation has come from. Under the leadership of president Mike DuBose, the entire board of directors and the un- wavering support of Grand Polemarch Thomas L. Battles, Jr. through the 1911 initiative, the Kappa Foundation has been able to increase its endow- ment by $2 million dollars, acquired over $300,000 in grants from the
Kellogg Foundation and Kenan Trust for supporting Guide Right programs, increased scholarship awards for under- graduates and bolstered its operations with the hiring of a full time executive assistant. The foundation also strength- ened its board with the appointments of new members James Simms, Bob Greene and Silhouette President Janice Hall-Dean who is leading the new com- munity grant initiative. Heightening our fundraising prow- ess, the Celebration of Achievement luncheon, under the leadership of Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Donald Bland, exceeded expectations in its first year and the Building the Dream Klassic, under the leadership of Laurel Wreath Wearer Rodney C. Adkins, which has quickly become one of the nation's and philanthropy’s most prominent funding raising events in support of young Men of Color. Lastly, the Kappa Foundation has expanded its national profile by
becoming the only Black Greek Lettered Foundation to become members of the Association of Black Foundation Execu- tives and the CEO/Foundation presi- dents board of the Executive Alliance of Boys and Men of Color. Though much as been accomplished under the New Way Forward taking the next bold step is not only desired but also essential to the advancement of Boys and Men of Color in America. With the end of the Obama presi- dency and My Brother’s Keeper as a federal program, there was a 30% loss of funding from philanthropic institutions towards programs for Boys and Men of Color. Of the institutions that still fund these initiatives, many lack in diversity on their boards or only fund programs regionally. The Kappa Foundation is one of the only philanthropic institu- tions that is minority-led, has a national portfolio and continues to increase its funding to support programs and initia-
18 | SUMMER ISSUE THE JOURNAL
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