GUIDELINES

2022 Grantmaking

For our final year of operation, we used a member nomination process in lieu of accepting applications.

2020 Grantmaking

Our grantmaking focused on providing rapid response funding to our grantee partners that addressed critical issues arising from the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism.

Black Benefactors will cease operations in 2022. For reference, below is the grantmaking criteria that was used.

ELIGIBILITY

Black-led nonprofits with 501c3 status or community-based organizations using a fiscal sponsor with 501c3 status that meet the following criteria:

• Have provided services for a minimum of two years
• Annual operating budget of $500,000 or less
• Serve at least a 51% Black clientele
• Have at least 51% Black staff, board and/or executive leadership
• Primarily provide services in the Washington, DC metropolitan region:  Washington, DC; Montgomery County, MD; Prince George’s County, MD; Arlington County, VA; Fairfax County, VA; the city of Alexandria, VA; the city of Fairfax, VA; and the city of Falls Church, VA

Previous grantee partners were eligible to apply, but priority was given to new applicants.

WHY BLACK-LED?

Black-led organizations, which we define as having predominantly Black boards, executive leadership, staff leadership, and constituents, have historically been underfunded due to bias and false narratives about their effectiveness and worthiness for investment (“The Case for Funding Black Social Change,” ABFE, 2017). We believe that communities most impacted by societal ills are best positioned to lead the charge in addressing it. Our funding focus was guided by research, and a desire among our membership, who made our grant making possible, to support talented Black social change leaders and organizations that are often overlooked.

WHAT WE DID NOT FUND

• Special events/event sponsorship
• Requests for one-time activities e.g. field trips, community fairs
• Capital campaigns and endowments
• Individuals
• Government agencies