By Kristina Gawrgy Campbell

Director of Strategic Communications, Independent Sector

Attendees at the Independent Sector Conference will be one of the first groups to explore the new National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) when it opens this fall. But did you know that the charitable sector has already made its mark by helping to make this museum a reality?

The Washington Post recently covered the diversity of the biggest donors to NMAAHC. It should come as no surprise that millions of dollars have been donated by Independent Sector members including $10 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, $8.6 million from The Ford Foundation, $5 million from American Express, and $3.5 million from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

From the Washington Post:

The 2009 gift [by the Gates Foundation] was outside the traditional focus of foundation, which supports health and development around the world and education in the United States. It was a “vote of confidence” and a critical step in building broad support for the design and construction of the museum, said the museum’s founding director, Lonnie Bunch, when the grant was announced. Allan Golston, president of the Gates Foundation’s U.S. program, serves on the museum council.

For many of the charitable organizations, supporting this museum is about sharing an appreciation of African American history and culture with everyone, but it is also about improving our nation for future generations.

In a release by W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the organization declared that their support for the museum was about healing our nation.

“Only by understanding our past and the centuries-old belief system that values one race over another can we surface these biases, ensure that all Americans are able to participate equally in the civic and economic life of our country and achieve lasting healing.”

Don’t miss your chance to visit the new museum during the Independent Sector Conference opening reception on November 16!