2022 Racial Equity Community Fund for BIPOC living in Douglas County (Kansas)

United Way of Douglas County has announced a Request for Proposals for 2022 Racial Equity Community Fund.

Donor Name: United Way of Douglas County

State: Kansas

County: Douglas County (KS)

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 01/19/2022

Size of the Grant: $5,000

Grant Duration: 7 months

Details:

These disparities are a result of systemic racism that is perpetuated intentionally and unintentionally through institutions, culture, and individuals. The United Way of Douglas County acknowledges that the fight against poverty must be inclusive and anti-racist. Because racism is ingrained in the fabric of American institutions, it is easily self-perpetuating. All that is required to maintain it is business as usual. In our fight to end poverty, the United Way has taken a stand to not do “business as usual” if it perpetuates racial or other forms of inequities.

Fund Goal

Traditional funding models are troubled by an imbalance of power and a lack of support for new applicants. As a result, the funding process favors the privileged and is often inaccessible to new, innovative, BIPOC led efforts. The focus of this fund is to support projects that build community, leadership, and direct supports for all marginalized community groups. The simple goal is to recognize that Black, Indigenous, People of Color in Douglas County are best suited to lead change, and it is the responsibility of funders to alter processes and create a safe space for BIPOC leaders to participate and prosper.

Funding Information

Applicants may be selected to receive between $500 and $5,000 in funding. Funding begins February 2, 2022, with an August 31 completion date.

Priority Population

The priority population for these funds are Black, Indigenous, People of Color living in Douglas County, KS.
At least 75% of people served through the Racial Equity Community Fund should identify as Black/African American, Indigenous/Native, Asian Pacific Islander, Chican@/Latinx, Middle Eastern, and/or People of Color.
Priority will be given to projects that focus on the intersections of BIPOC identities, bringing those systemically pushed to the margins to the center of the project. These intersections may include:
- Socioeconomic status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Age
- Ability
- Immigration status
The highest priority will be given to projects focused on the intersections of racism and poverty.

While important, the following activities are not eligible for funding:

Direct service/safety net supports that are contingent on agreement to case management, education, continued program participation, or citizenship status
Individual grants or scholarships
Research expenses
Capital or endowment campaigns

Eligibility Criteria

Funds will be invested in grassroots and/or community nonprofit organizations in Douglas County, KS with projects focused on increasing equity and opportunities for local BIPOC communities. These grants provide support for organizations or individuals whose work benefits people with low incomes, communities of color, and historically and/or systematically marginalized people. Collaborative efforts and coalitions are eligible to apply. You do NOT have to be a 501c3, non-profit organization. This funding is for anyone wanting to lead and create change.

Priority will be given to organizations:

led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color with organizational mission and goals focused on elevating and increasing equity for Black, Indigenous, People of Color
leading efforts that include power-building with and for BIPOC communities
taking a multi-generational approach that priorities youth and families
aligning with United Way’s mission of ending poverty, facilitated by equitable access to quality education, healthcare, jobs, housing, food, and community engagement
that embed trauma-informed practices into their work by acknowledging the widespread impact of trauma

Not eligible for funding: