Moira’s Message: Black Empowerment Works Grants Return

United, We Can

Building a strong community where all people can thrive depends on your generous support.

Dear United Way friends,

Our Black Empowerment Works grant program (BEW) is returning for a second year and we need YOU to make it successful.

Black Empowerment Works promotes Black self-determination, social mobility and economic prosperity by resourcing and funding community-based, Black-led ideas addressing poverty. This program is one of many ways we’re working to create a more equitable community—a local solution addressing the underinvestment in Black-led ideas by traditional philanthropy nationwide. Last year, 28 Black-led ideas, programs and projects received more than $600,000 in philanthropic funds to support their important work in our communities.

We want to keep the momentum going. Here are ways you can help:

• Apply to receive a grant (from $2,500 to $25,000). Take your idea to help your community and make it a reality. Deadline: July 8.
• Serve as a reviewer. Help choose the grants that will change our communities. Deadline: June 18.
• Share the Black Empowerment Works information within your networks. Word-of-mouth is one of the primary ways applicants learned about the program last year. (It’s easy with the social media icons at the top and bottom of this story.)
• Attend a live information session on May 14, May 17 or May 21 via Eventbrite (May 21 will also be on Facebook).

Too many Black families and individuals in our region experience poverty, and too few Black-led ideas, programs and projects receive funding and resources to address it. We can change that together.

Sincerely,

Moira Weir
President/CEO

P.S. – Here are the dates and times for our live information sessions: