Posted on January 24, 2012
Deadline: March 1, 2012 (Letters of Interest)

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Seeks Letters of Interest From Current Grantees for Racial Equity Initiative

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has announced a Racial Equity Initiative pilot funding program designed to increase the capacity of the foundation's current grantees to achieve greater impact in serving low-income communities of color, including people of color in organizational and community decision making, while reducing racial disparities and increasing racial equity in the grantees' areas of influence.

The foundation is prepared to make investments in a small, highly motivated group of grantees that are ready to "take a deeper dive" in their racial equity efforts. The foundation anticipates funding eight to twelve grantees through this pilot effort. Grants will range from $4,000 to $10,000, with an average amount of $6,000. The grants will be distinct from other project or general operating grants currently funded or under review by the foundation.

These targeted investments may be used for activities such as training, coaching, assessment, or planning that build an organization's capacity to advance racial equity internally or externally.

The foundation also might consider a few select grants that help with implementation of a well thought-out racial equity plan.

Racial justice organizations seeking project or general operating support should apply to the foundation through normal grantmaking processes; however, they are welcome to apply for these targeted funds to build their racial equity capacity, if appropriate.

Letters of Interest are invited from current grantees of the foundation who attended a regional convening in 2011.

Organizations with the most promising ideas will be invited to respond to a more complete Request for Proposals, to be issued in March. Groups funded through the process will be expected to participate in two convenings, one at the start of the grant funding in June 2012 and one at the close of the pilot process in December 2012. These sessions will enable the cohort of grantees to network, learn from each other's experience, and build shared knowledge and skills.

Potential applicants are invited to participate in one of two webinars, to be held February 9 and February 14, 2012.

Visit the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Web site for complete program guidelines, webinar details, and LOI requirements.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Primary Subject: Civil and Human Rights
Geographic Funding Area: National

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