Strategic Initiative Grants: BPI Building An Inclusive Economy Grants

The Strategic Initiative Grants by the Winston-Salem Foundation aim to build an inclusive economy for Black communities in Forsyth County. The program supports organizations focused on economic empowerment, addressing systemic inequities that affect Black residents. Grants are available for initiatives that create pathways to high-paying careers, promote financial stability, and support Black-owned businesses. This program reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable growth and equitable opportunities for all community members.

Note: Building an Inclusive Economy Grant applications are considered once a year in the fall; applicants will receive a decision after a two to three-month review period.
Mission & History
BPI is a 100% Black-led initiative of The Winston-Salem Foundation that is explicitly, not exclusively, focused on grantmaking and programming that strengthens our local Black communities.
Targeted Grantmaking: Providing grants to local nonprofits and organizations to advance economic and educational equity with an explicit focus on Black individuals and communities.
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.

Eligibility

We support grant proposals that:
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.BPI will fund nonprofits, schools, or faith-based organizations providing resources or programming for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners.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.

Ineligibility

BPI’s grants are not for businesses.