Racial Equity Fund

We believe that this community has the resources to address our most pressing problems. The Community Foundation commits to do what we do best: mobilize generosity to address community needs. That’s why we, through the generosity of our Founding Donors, are launching the new Racial Equity Fund. This fund will provide discretionary grant funding for those nonprofit organizations who are on the front lines addressing the issue of racism and inequity in our community.

We believe all residents in our community should have the opportunity to fulfill their highest potential. When we tackle the existing gaps in racial equity, we will expand opportunities to many people across our community. Then, our community will experience the necessary change to be a place where all our residents can learn, work, and further contribute to a healthy, thriving and prosperous place to call home.

Community Capital to Address Equity Issues

The Racial Equity Fund will support both current year grantmaking, as well as serve as a permanent source of funding to address the ongoing needs for racial equity. Fifty percent of all donations will be deployed for current year grants, and fifty percent of all donations will be added to the Racial Equity Endowment to provide a lasting legacy of support for this issue.

Grantmaking

The Racial Equity Fund will provide grant funding to address equity gaps in the following areas that affect quality of life:

• Criminal justice system
• Education and job readiness
• Health and wellness
• Income and wealth creation
• Neighborhoods and communities

Grant Focus:

• Grant Range: $1,000 - $25,000
• Geographic Focus: Greater Huntsville, Alabama
• Funding Priority: Priority will be given to projects that meet the following criteria:
  • Strategically address one or more equity gaps
  • Involve more than one agency or organization and are collaborative in nature
  • Address a desired systemic change
  • Provide clear and measurable outcomes

Eligible Recipients:

All grants from this Fund must be made for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes to any organization that is described Code Section 170(c)(2), 501(c)(3), 2055(a)(2) or 2522(a)(2) (except for private foundations as defined by Code Section 509(a)) ("qualified organization"). Qualified organizations also include schools, religious institutions, or government agencies located in the Greater Huntsville area.

Eligible Expenses:

• Program costs for new and/or existing programs
• Reasonable staff and/or volunteer time and training associated with the implementation of the program/project
• Educational or awareness events
• Capital expenses

Ineligible Expenses:

• Organizations not organized as “qualified organizations” as defined in Eligible Recipients section above
• Grants to individuals
• Debt reduction
• Endowment campaigns
• Fundraising events or galas
• Annual campaigns
• Membership drives
• Conference expenses
• Political activities intended to influence legislation, carry on propaganda, influence the outcome of any specific public election, favor one or more specific political party or candidate, or otherwise carry out lobbying activities 

Grantee Responsibilities:

Successful grantees will be required to sign a Grant Agreement prior to receiving funding. The Grantee must also report back on the use of the grant funding and what measurable outcomes were achieved as a result of the funded project. Grant projects must be completed and grant reports submitted by June 30, 2021.

Grant Submission:

The grant cycle for this fund will open on July 6, 2020 on the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville's new online grant portal.  New grant applicants will need to create an account for this platform. Deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. CDT, July 31, 2020.

We believe that our community has the resources to address these most pressing problems.  If you believe like we do at the Community Foundation, we ask you to join us and to be part of the solution.