Report Looks at How Foundations and Charities Can Serve Black Males

NEW BOOKS

Why We Can’t Wait: A Case for Philanthropic Action: Opportunities for Improving Life Outcomes for African-American Males, by Marcus J. Littles, Ryan Bowers, and Micah Gilmer, analyzes research, policies, and programs that affect black men and boys. The report is meant “to help open a dialogue on both the individual and structural factors that lead to poor life outcomes among black males,” citing a disproportionately high incidence among them of unemployment, HIV/AIDS infection, and incarceration. Divided into three sections, the report first describes research trends in the field, as well as shortcomings of current research. The second section discusses nonprofit groups that provide services to black males and the challenges the charities face, while the third section explores advocacy and several public policies that “impede progress for black males,” such as those related to the collection of child support, job-training programs, and penalties for crimes involving crack versus cocaine. Each section concludes with a list of recommendations for charities and foundations.

Publisher: Ford Foundation, 320 East 43rd Street, New York, N.Y. 10017; (212) 573-5000; fax (212) 351-3677; http://www.fordfound.org; 78 pages; available free for download on the foundation’s Web site.