The Links, Incorporated

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. Founded on November 9, 1946, in Philadelphia by Margaret Rosell Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott, it has evolved into one of the nation's oldest and largest volunteer service organizations[1][2][4].

Mission

The mission of The Links, Incorporated is to engage in educational, civic, and inter-cultural activities within the communities it serves. The organization emphasizes service through various programs focused on youth development, arts, health disparities, and international service[2][4].

Membership

The Links, Incorporated comprises over 17,000 professional women of African descent, organized in nearly 300 chapters across 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom[3][4]. Membership is invitation-only and highly selective, typically involving nomination by a current member[4].

Programs and Services

• Services to Youth: Empowers Black youth to become successful and productive citizens.
• Arts Program: Increases and expands art activities in Black communities.
• National Trends and Services: Addresses social inequities in Black communities across the U.S.
• International Trends and Services: Provides global services to improve the quality of life for people of African ancestry.
• Health and Human Services: Addresses chronic health disparities affecting African Americans[2].

Philanthropy

The Links Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1979, acts as the philanthropic arm, providing grants to address regional, national, or international problems. It has contributed over $27 million to charitable causes since its inception[2].

Impact

Members contribute over a million hours of community service annually. The organization has supported causes such as HBCU scholarships, disaster relief efforts, and global initiatives like maternal health programs[1][2].

[1] https://linksinc.org [2] https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/features/nonprofit-spotlight/the-links-incorporated [3] https://www.sandiegolinks.org [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Links [5] https://www.instagram.com/thelinksinc/