Before Aug. 31st of each year, members contribute at least $1100. Men under 33 can pay a reduced membership rate of $550. Collectively, $1000 or $500 (based on membership rate) of each member's funds are the source for that year's grant-making. The remaining $100 or $50 is used to fund overhead such as catering, marketing, etc.

Beginning in August, the Grants team conducts a thorough four-phase grant decision-making process. This begins with requesting grant applications and culminates in a series of presentations by grant finalists and voting by the membership.

Each member has one vote in this process.

Yes. Some members give a lump sum. Other break their gift up into recurring installments. Once you reach $1100 or $550 (for men under 33), you are a member for that year's grant cycle.

• We accept checks payable to Ujima Legacy Fund/CF Richmond (include your name on the memo line)
• We accept credit cards online via the Community Foundation website. Donate online here
• We accept payments from donor advised funds
• We accept stock donations — contact your brokerage and contact us

We all support our community in various ways, and many of us already contribute to support organizations and causes that are important to us.

Ujima believes that the impact of collective giving surpasses what any of us can do alone. Our approach increases awareness of community issues and engages civic-minded Black men in critical conversations about how we work together.

The only membership requirements are to be a Black male and to donate $1,100 each year (or $550 for men under 33). It's up to each member to be as involved as they choose.

Opportunities include recruiting new members, assisting with grantmaking, and organizing events. Regardless of how involved you are, we need you to spread the word about Ujima.

Anyone can give to Ujima, but only funds given by or on behalf of Black men will be included in our grants, and only members can vote. Other funds and resources go toward overhead and endowment funds.

Members include men from a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, and financial statuses. Most live and work in the Richmond area.

Members share a few common traits:

• African-American male who is dedicated to community
• Strong interest in education, mentoring and the prosperity of African-American children
• Committed to African-American empowerment and collective work
• Desire to be part of an impact/results driven brotherhood or network
• Altruistic but stretched in philanthropic giving
• Has a network of likeminded individuals

To keep costs low, most Ujima communications are by email. We do our best not to spam you, and we do not share your contact information.

We use email to share membership requests, volunteer opportunities and information about events. We also update this website with information that can be shared with the public.