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Building an Inclusive Economy Grants
In BPI’s 2018 Rethinking Philanthropy report, data reveals how Black residents in Forsyth County are disproportionately affected by systematic inequities—Black workers are more likely to be in low-wage positions, not have access to livable wages, and live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty and neglect. According to our research, there are no scenarios where a minimum wage job is sufficient to support even a single individual, yet for many Black residents and families, it’s all that is available to them.
We know that this data is the result of centuries of policies, rules and practices intentionally and unintentionally designed to deny Black families the access to resources they need to achieve their dreams and take care of their loved ones. And while no one grant program can possibly lead to a truly inclusive economy, we know that there are organizations in our community doing incredibly impactful work with Black families that need additional resources.
The Building an Inclusive Economy grant program is designed to support organizations that focus on economic empowerment for Black households and work to rewrite the rules to make Forsyth County a place where we all have the resources we need to support our families. This grantmaking program aligns with The Winston-Salem Foundation’s focus area of the same name though our decision-making is distinct.
We support grant proposals that:
- address one or more of the following areas we see as critical to building economic security and prosperity for Black households in Forsyth County: creating accessible pathways to family-sustaining and high-paying careers, offering tools for wealth-building and financial stability, and supporting a thriving community of Black-owned businesses.
- are being implemented by a 501(c)(3) organization, public school or higher education institution, or a faith-based organization. (Organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) may ask an organization with this exemption to serve as a fiscal agent.) While BPI’s grants are not for businesses, BPI will fund nonprofits, schools or faith-based organizations providing resources or programming for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Priority will be given to:
- Black-led groups/organizations (Organizations with more than 50% of Black staff in leadership positions and/or more than 50% of board members are Black.)
- Organizations and programs that invest directly in predominately Black neighborhoods (including 27101, 27105, and 27107).
- Organizations that are actively engaging people and communities who are directly impacted by the program, setting goals with them, and listening and responding to their guidance about how the work is implemented.
Examples of potential grant requests include programs that support Black entrepreneurs, programs that support Black families wanting to learn about investing or how to purchase a home, or programs that provide inclusive pathways to family-sustaining careers.
DECEMBER 2024 GRANT RECIPIENTS
- Carter G. Woodson School: $15,000 for the CGWS NextGen Family Entrepreneurship Program supporting students and families in legalizing and growing their businesses including workshops on financial literacy, budgeting, and entrepreneurship
- Castle Heights Neighborhood Association: $15,000 to train residents in trade skills including a home repair program, fostering community development, generational wealth, and sustainability in Castle Heights
- CDC 4 Southern Winston-Salem: $15,000 to pilot a workforce development program providing vocational training and tailored support for ex-offenders and underserved populations, fostering inclusive pathways to employment
- Honorable Youth: $15,000 to support a transitional housing program providing financial literacy, mental health services, and down payment assistance to help female-headed households achieve economic security and homeownership
- Island CultureZ: $15,000 to expand the use of the Culture LightZ tool, assessing community needs and developing actionable plans that empower residents through food resiliency, entrepreneurship, and collaborative economic solutions
- North Carolina Black Repertory Company: $15,000 to provide training and resources for entrepreneurs on sales tax, POS systems, and co-retail operations, fostering business growth and success through shared retail opportunities and community engagement
- Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce: $15,000 to support a 14-session program equipping youth aged 14-17 with entrepreneurship, career readiness, and financial literacy skills through mentoring, hands-on experience, and paid opportunities
HOW TO APPLY
Do you have a proposal idea you’d like to discuss before you apply? We’d like to hear from you! Please contact us to schedule a conversation.
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