Education Blueprint for Boys and Men of Color

The Education Blueprint for Boys and Men of Color grants, offered by the Sierra Health Foundation, aim to support the creation of a five-year regional education system blueprint. This initiative seeks to increase the number of boys and men of color who pursue and complete post-secondary degrees or career technical certificate programs by the year 2030. The funding is specifically targeted at improving educational outcomes in several counties within California, including Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare. The primary purpose of this grant is to invest in grassroots and advocacy organizations that can facilitate deeper engagement and drive policy and systems change. The goal is to enhance access to and completion rates of post-secondary education for boys and men of color. The initiative will also provide comprehensive training and technical assistance to the funded organizations, helping them to develop effective solutions to address significant educational barriers faced by this demographic. Funding for this grant totals $300,000, with individual grants of up to $25,000 available for a duration of one year. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as Tribal organizations and coalitions or collaboratives. Fiscal sponsors for entities that do not qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits may also apply if their projects meet the necessary criteria. The grant prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate strong community leadership and infrastructure, particularly those focused on building alliances and coalitions to advance policy and system change. Competitive applications will leverage existing investments aimed at dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and improving educational climates for boys and men of color. Additionally, applicants should show how their work supports health and racial equity and addresses intersecting issues that impact educational outcomes. Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed proposal that outlines the project’s objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes. Applicants will need to answer specific questions related to their organization’s capacity, community engagement, and alignment with the grant’s priorities. Evaluation criteria will focus on the strength of community leadership, the potential for policy impact, and the ability to address educational barriers effectively. The application deadline for this grant is October 17, 2024. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare their proposals in advance to ensure they meet all submission requirements. For further information, applicants can contact the Sierra Health Foundation at the provided email or phone number. This grant represents a significant opportunity for organizations dedicated to improving educational outcomes for boys and men of color in the targeted California counties.