Impact Grants

BPI’s Impact Grants are investments in local programs, projects, and initiatives that build better futures and strengthen Black communities in Forsyth County. This program is specifically designed to invest in Black-led groups with annual budgets of less than $150,000 because smaller organizations are often overburdened with strenuous grant applications and left out of traditional grantmaking opportunities.

Our streamlined application process includes a short video submission. Though budgets may be smaller, we recognize that these small organizations consistently go above and beyond in how they show up for their community.

BPI supports work focused on the four key areas in our Rethinking Philanthropy report (education, jobs and wages, poverty, and civic engagement) as well as criminal justice reform and racial justice efforts.  

  • Organizations may apply for grants of up to $1,000. 
  • Applicants must be groups/organizations with annual budgets of less than $150,000.
  • Priority is given to Black-led organizations and programs. (Organizations where more than 50% of leadership staff are Black and/or more than 50% of board members are Black.) 
  • Priority is given to organizations and programs that work within predominately Black neighborhoods (including 27101, 27105 and 27107). 

Impact Grants may be used for general operating expenses and/or a specific program or project. The BPI Grants Committee will make grant decisions based on eligibility, current and potential impact of the organization/project, and demonstrated dedication and passion for the work.

February 2023 GRANT RECIPIENTS
  • Dream The Impossible: $1,000 to provide services on mental-health awareness and resources for student athletes
  • Beyond Basic Enterprise: $1,000 to provide free after-school programming, mentoring, and other support for students and families  
  • The National Birth Coalition: $1,000 to support sessions for BIPOC birth workers and advocates to eliminate birth and health disparities
  • Tre 4 Center of Fine Arts: $1,000 to provide youth education and programming for children impacted by incarceration  
  • Monica & Jerome's International Dance "Experience" (MJIDE) - $1,000 to fund costume purchase and travel and registration fees for conservatory dance
  • Smiley's Sweets: $1,000 to support health and nutrition education and programming for children in Piedmont Circle
  • Konnoak Community Freedom School: $1,000 for a field trip for Freedom School scholars to Discovery Place in Charlotte
  • Tori's House of Choice: $1,000 to help families and children impacted by gun violence
August 2023 GRANT RECIPIENTS
  • God's Butterfly THE MOVEMENT: $1,000 for programing to support survivors of domestic violence, including mental health and wellness, art therapy, financial literacy, and life skills
  • Hope to Thrive: $1,000 to support an environmental justice program teaching youth how to compost and advocate for environmental justice in their neighborhoods
  • Jim Shaw ACE Academy: $1,000 to for a youth aviation, STEM, and aerospace training program
  • My Daughters House Inc: $1,000 for a community event for women recovering from addiction to link them to employment, financial literacy resources, peer support, and basic needs
  • Piedmont Jazz Aliance: $1,000 to host a free Jazz Girls event to promote jazz music education and develop music skills in girls
  • The WakeUp Foundation: $1,000 to provide a back-to-school haircuts and braiding for youth

HOW TO APPLY

Impact Grant applications are considered twice a year (summer and winter); applicants will receive a decision after a two-month review period.

Do you have a proposal idea you’d like to discuss? We’d like to hear from you! Please contact us to schedule a conversation.
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