The Office of Equity and Inclusion application for racial healing grants for local nonprofits are now available. This is the second year of funding, and like last year, the grant amount up to $4,999 aims to support existing projects in Asheville that promote racial healing, reconciliation, and/or transformation in Asheville communities.
The mini-grants are aligned with Asheville City Council’s Vision 2036 of an equitable and diverse community and the City’s Equity Action Plan.
To be competitive, organizations that apply should focus on communities that are the most impacted by government policies and practices that have caused racial trauma and/or displacement. Our intent is not to initiate new projects, but to support those projects already established in the community.
The funds are meant to provide flexible resources for local, community-based organizations focused on eliminating structural barriers and/or improving the quality of life for the City’s most vulnerable populations. These grants are intended to:
- Provide financial support to community members/groups who are already working toward racial healing.
- Build toward a more trusting relationship between City government and those who have been disenfranchised and underinvested in by local government.
- Inform a definition and vision of Equity for Asheville, including how the City of Asheville government can participate in the healing process.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online. Please contact Yashika Smith, Inclusive Engagement and Leadership Manager, with any questions, or visit our website for more information. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Jan. 4, 2021.
For more information, please visit the City of Asheville website.