NCP Open Road Fund Grant

The NCP Open Road Fund is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Black individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota by providing $50 million in grants. This fund focuses on fostering financial well-being, economic power, education, housing, and health. By supporting projects that enhance wealth creation and community healing, the fund aims to create sustainable pathways for Black families and individuals to thrive and build intergenerational wealth.

The Open Road Fund returns money directly to Black folks so they can build something long-lasting for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Open Road Fund is a community fund granting $50 million to Black folks in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota in order to create tangible pathways to liberation, prosperity, and healing on our own terms.
Financial Wellbeing
Applicants to this category may use the funds to increase their ability to afford basic needs, pay off debts, and contribute to their family and other community member’s well-being. They may also use these funds to grow their wealth for the future through savings, investments, and more.
Economic Power
This category is for applicants who want to use their awards to support ownership, entrepreneurship, or a project that stimulates economic power in Black communities. For some people, owning a vehicle could help them build wealth. Other people might purchase equipment, software, or patents to technology. People interested in business may start their own, or work with the community to launch a cooperatively-owned enterprise.
Education
This category is for applicants who want to build wealth for themselves through increasing their knowledge. By acquiring degrees, certifications, licenses, and new skills, they are able to earn more money and pursue new opportunities.
Housing
This category is for people who want to use their award to gain access to housing for themselves and their family. They also could use these funds to create more affordable and sustainable housing options for themselves, their families, and/or their community. People who already own a home may invest this award in projects to increase the comfort, size, or value of their home. These are just some of the possibilities.
Health and Healing
This category is for people who want to use their award to access care. Funds could be used to get medical care and address health issues. Funds could also be used to gain healing from trauma (including historical and generational trauma). Some people may use this fund to make time for rest by taking a sabbatical. Other people may choose to explore opportunities to express their creativity by producing arts or crafts. Some may even travel around the Black world and learn about their heritage

Eligibility

The Open Road Fund is a unique grant designed for Individuals.Eligibility for the Fund is restricted based on ancestry, geography, and age.An eligible applicant must be: A Black person who is a descendant of African people who were kidnapped and subjected to chattel enslavement in the AmericasAge 14 or olderA resident of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or any of the 23 Native nations whose territories are occupied by those states.

Ineligibility

Nonprofit organizations may not apply.May not be used to establish or fund nonprofit organizations.