Equity Innovation Fund

Equity Innovation Fund

Geographic Scope: Racine County, WI

Funder: United Way of Racine County, with initial support from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and additional funding from Racine County via American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars ($1 million in June 2022)

Focus Areas: Reducing disparities and improving outcomes for historically marginalized populations in Racine County through innovative, equity-focused programming

Eligibility: Open to a wide range of entities including:

Nonprofit organizations

Community organizations

Grassroot organizations

Social entrepreneurs

170+ eligible organizations

Support Offered:

Funding for innovative projects

Support and coaching for applicants

Assistance meeting accountability and reporting standards

Impact to Date:

Awarded $631,353.74 through 16 grants

Served 638 individuals

Example projects funded:

- Racine Vocational Ministry's Second Chance Program: supports BIPOC and female participants returning from prison; 18 participants served with 0 returns to prison and 72% employment within 6 months
- Dental Backpack: provides dental care to uninsured/underinsured children; 93% parent training completion, 87% of children completed treatments

Contact: Visit UnitedWayRacine.org/EIF for more information

Background: Fund encourages entities to bring innovative ideas to reduce disparities and empower historically marginalized populations.