Michigan Chronicle
Oct. 26, 2022
United Way for Southeastern Michigan has launched the second year of grant funding for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-led organizations. These flexible and unrestricted grants between $10,000 and $50,000 will focus on leadership, lifespan development, economics, and reaching equity in emerging areas of the community.
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan Racial Equity Fund is designed to help all people experience authentic inclusion and have equitable access to resources and opportunities. The grants are part of the $1 million committed to the effort.
The Fund was designed in the summer of 2021 by a diverse and inclusive workgroup of community members. The objective then and going forward is to empower those most impacted by systemic oppression to thrive and reach their full potential.
“We are excited to offer these grants once again to BIPOC led organizations in our service areas across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. We have already seen the impact these funds can make in developing future leaders” said Tonya Adair, chief people, equity, and engagement officer, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Thanks to these funds, the 23 organizations we helped last year are in a better foundational place to succeed. It is important to ensure there is a reflection of the communities we serve, through all our grantmaking opportunities.”
The Centering Community Voice Blueprint informed the creation of the Fund and was developed in collaboration with Detroit Future City. United Way prioritizes community voice and lived experience as core components of decision-making throughout their grantmaking process.
Previously funded organizations are providing programs and projects that are working toward eliminating racial disparities in pursuit of a more equitable and just community for everyone.
“The Racial Equity Fund has allowed us to advance our racial equity work on three main fronts: internal culture, survivor services and community engagement,” Sharman Davenport, president and chief executive officer of Turning Point Macomb.
“The Family Assistance for Renaissance Men (F.A.R.M.) program provides workforce development services, fatherhood responsibility instruction, job readiness skills training, job placement assistance, father accountability mentoring, financial literacy training, and other related services with the goal of helping men provide financially and emotionally for their children and families,” says Willie Bell, president and chief executive officer of F.A.R.M., which serves Wayne County. “Since January 2022, grant funding has enabled us to complete training with four cohorts of fathers (two cycles of our daytime model and two cycles of our evening model).”
“Due to the investment from United Way for Southeastern Michigan, we have not only been able to grow our organization, but we have also been able to support additional programming and organizations across the Pontiac community,” Scott Stewart, vice president of programs of Pontiac Community Foundation.
“Awardees in year one of the Racial Equity Fund support represented Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties,” added Adair. “We look forward to receiving even more impactful project ideas to benefit all the areas we serve across southeastern Michigan.”
United Way for Southeastern Michigan also recognizes that ensuring program and organization sustainability long after the funding contract has ended is a critical equity component. They have pledged to offer technical assistance, support and one on one coaching toward effectiveness, creativity and long-term sustainability.
Those interested can apply for the grants through Monday, Nov. 7. To learn more about this opportunity, visit https://unitedwaysem.org/racial-equity-fund/
To support this work financially and learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Racial Equity Fund, visit https://unitedwaysem.org/about-us/equity-and-inclusion/.
To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
