Who We Serve
T.D. Jakes Foundation exists to serve underserved communities and to create a place at society’s tables for the underrepresented.
Our initiatives aim at dismantling systemic barriers to access and opportunity. Our programs advance racial and gender equity through education, economic security, and intergenerational wealth-building.
Why must we Close the Opportunity Gap?
For generations, people of color have lacked equal access to education, which provides a clear path toward upward mobility.
Why must we Close the Wealth Gap?
People of color, especially Black Americans are disproportionately affected by the dramatic and persistent Racial Wealth Gap in the United States. Racial differences in household wealth are considered by the U.S. Treasury Department as some of the most visible and impactful manifestations of racial inequity in the U.S.
41.6 Million
Black Americans represent less than 15% of the U.S. population, but own only 3% of all U.S. household wealth, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank’s study on racial wealth inequity. By comparison, the wealthiest 10% of Americans, predominantly white, own more than 75% of all U.S. household wealth.
25¢ for every $1.00
The U.S. Treasury Department reports that Black wealth equates to 25 cents for every $1.00 of White wealth. Hispanic wealth in America equates to 22 cents per $1.00 of White wealth.
Contributors to Wealth Acquisitions
homeownership and home equity, financial assets and investments, income stability and opportunity to earn more – are often not accessible to or in communities of color.
Communities of Color
are also most impacted by the amount and type of debt carried by households. 20% of Black American families and 13% of Hispanic families have zero or negative net worth, compared with 9% of White families.
To address deep systemic inequities, T.D. Jakes Foundation is committed to delivering programs, services, and resources to those most affected by the Opportunity and Wealth Gaps. We are the bridge for underserved, underrepresented, and under-championed communities to access life-changing opportunities.