Strategic Initiative Grants: BPI Impact Grants

Strategic Initiative Grants: BPI Impact Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Winston-Salem Foundation
Amount: Up to US $1,000
Last Updated: January 17, 2025

Summary

The Strategic Initiative Grants: BPI Impact Grants support Black-led organizations in Forsyth County, focusing on economic and educational equity. With a streamlined application process, these grants encourage community engagement and investment in local initiatives. Eligible organizations can apply for funding of up to $1,000, specifically aimed at those with annual budgets under $150,000. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of smaller nonprofits that are often overlooked in traditional grantmaking, fostering a more equitable future for Black communities.

Overview

Note: Impact Grant applications are considered once a year in the summer; applicants will receive a decision after a two-month review period. Mission & History Why Black Philanthropy? Racial inequities exist in all our systems, including criminal justice, health, housing, wages, and education, and they continue to disproportionately affect Black people in Forsyth County. 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. By joining together with people from all walks of life in Forsyth County, we work to educate and effect change to build a better future for Black people, their families, and their communities. Our History Since 2003, BPI has built on a generous and deep legacy of philanthropy in Winston-Salem’s Black communities. Learn more about our history, how we got started, and the exciting growth we’ve experienced. Our Mission The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) engages people to invest their time, talent, and treasure to strengthen and support Black communities in Forsyth County. What We Do Black Philanthropy: Building on strong giving traditions and investing collective time, talent, and treasure to strengthen Black communities in Forsyth County. Targeted Grantmaking: Providing grants to local nonprofits and organizations to advance economic and educational equity with an explicit focus on Black individuals and communities. Research + Advocacy: Coming together as a community to discuss systemic barriers, both current and historical, that stand in the way of and deny Black community members the resources they need to build a better future. 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. Please see FAQs for additional guidelines and information. Funding Organizations may apply for grants of up to $1,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.Applicants must be groups/organizations with annual budgets of less than $150,000.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.