Fund 20 Emerging Afrodescendant Artists & Ensure It Endures

In seven years, the Darryl Chappell Foundation has awarded over $140,000 in direct funding to 100 predominantly Afrodescendant artists. All led by one founder who sold his home to make it possible.

What comes next requires more than one person.

This campaign raises $50,000 by December 31, 2026, to:

Fund 20 additional emerging artists, at least 50% women, through Artist-in-Residence, Mentorship Program, Artists Marketplace, and Public Art.
Hire our first full-time Program & Operations Coordinator to administer programs, deepen artist support, and scale our reach to Chicago and Houston, while maintaining our Washington, DC, roots.

Transition from founder-led to institutional. So the next 100 artists are served by a permanent organization, not a single person's sacrifice.

We empower Afrodescendant artists to build thriving careers through community, mentorship, and market access. Your gift today doesn't just fund artists. It ensures the foundation that serves them endures.

Give today. Fund the next 20. Ensure it endures.

Gifts are tax-deductible. Consult with your tax advisor on how to record your gift.

We also welcome gifts from Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). Select the DAF option as you process your donation.

Thank you for your support.

Sustaining Donors:

John Abodeely
Allswell Akrong
Katy Atkiss
Trish Bernard
William Bowser
Molly Brown
Aaron V. Chappell
Carlton Chappell
Clint & Marilyn Chappell
Darlene Chappell
Darryl Chappell
Grant & Dichaba Chappell
Ashley Clemmer
Will Davison
Kathy Donnelly
Kate Doyle*
Michelle Durham
Ann Herington
Simone Jones
David Lant
Julia Michaels**
Moses Ngong
Vicki Meek***
Denise Pate
Maureen Tepedino
Lisa Stone
Robert Wardlow

In honor of

* Mr. Jean Tossou
** Sarah Etelman
*** Bill & Sylvia Meek

Art Patrons (annual gift of $3,000 or more)
Anonymous (2)
royal alley barnes
Darryl Chappell
Gregory & Cynthia Chappell
Jarod Davis
John Guess, Jr.
Christine & Patrick O'Donnell
Kyle T. Pierce & Daryl Shorter
Dr. Odis Johnson
Darren Sharpe
Meron Wondwosen

Legacy Awards
Wilfred Wallace Hammond Jr. Performing Arts Legacy Award
Hammond Family (Helon, Kahlilah, Darshana, Serene, Justus, and Lincoln)

Photo Credit: "19", Bruce Bennett, Darryl Chappell Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Light Work

2026 Development Challenge - Help Us Raise $50,000

Fund 20 More Afrodescendant Artists & Hire a Program & Operations Coordinator

Team Members