Philanthropy – n. 1 a desire to help mankind, esp. as shown by gifts to charitable or humanitarian institutions; benevolence – Webster’s New World College Dictionary

Oftentimes, philanthropy is viewed on a grand scale, such as when a huge corporation makes a large monetary donation to a much smaller enterprise.  

However, a philanthropic effort can be something as simple as someone sharing produce from their thriving backyard garden with neighbors.

The Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland (TSOPCLE) is looking for its newest group of honorees. They’ve put a call out for community philanthropists, and nominations are being accepted through Sunday, March 31.

Launched in 2019, TSOPCLE is “a collaboration of civic and community leaders, volunteer activists and philanthropists in Greater Cleveland” and patterned after Valaida Fullwood’s “The Soul of Philanthropy” traveling exhibit, which is based on her book, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists.”

“This is our final push for nominations before the March 31 deadline,” said Connie Hill-Johnson, a member of the organization’s executive steering committee. “We’re asking people, ‘Who in your community has been faithful in serving others without receiving a shoutout? Who’s quietly doing what they do?’ That’s the perfect example of community philanthropy.”

First class reflections

Looking back on being named a TSOPCLE honoree in 2019, entrepreneur/author Jowan Smith said she was “pretty shocked” when she learned about the accolade.

“And after doing my research to find out just what the honor was, I was completely humbled,”  she said.

In 2018, Smith started the educational consulting firm Getting My Babies to College 101, offering instruction to families on ways to become empowered and prepared for what happens after high school. Smith said the success of her consulting firm inspired her to create the 1000 Ties Mentoring Program, a non-profit organization.

“We teach youth life skills by learning something as simple as tying a tie,” Smith said.

Among the many developmental skills offered through the organization are dining etiquette, handwriting, time management, chess and sewing.

She feels that anyone can be a community philanthropist, and no idea is too small.

“Philanthropy is truly giving back to what you’re passionate about and being an active part of your community, not a spectator,” Smith said. “I’ve nominated others to be TSOPCLE honorees and assisted others with ideas, helping them with their organizational structure.  Sometimes it’s not the physical work of helping people – it’s the diagram you’re creating to get the work done,” she said.

Making new plans for The Soul of Philanthropy CLE

The next TSOPCLE exhibit will be revealed at the opening of the new MLK branch of the Cleveland Public Library, located on Stokes Boulevard in University Circle. The branch is expected to open at the end of 2024 or early in 2025. The exhibit of the 2024 honorees will be housed permanently there.  

The 2021 exhibit of “Celebrating Those Who Give Black – Legacy Philanthropists” is currently on display at the Cleveland Public Library’s Stokes Wing in downtown Cleveland.

“We will probably unveil and announce the newest honorees in August, which is National Black Philanthropy Month, even though the new library won’t be finished yet, but we’ll still have a big shebang once it does open,” Johnson said. Check out a video from the 2019 exhibit at the Cleveland History Center.