Black-Led Movement Fund

Borealis Philanthropy’s Black-Led Movement Fund (BLMF) was created in 2016 to support the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) and other politically aligned organizations dedicated to advancing justice for Black communities. Over nearly a decade, BLMF has distributed over $39 million to grassroots organizations seeking to challenge anti-Black racism, ableism, state violence, and structural inequity. The Fund is rooted in a vision of transformational change, investing in local Black-led organizing and policy development that centers healing, justice, and collective liberation. In 2024, BLMF granted $4 million in two-year awards—$200,000 per organization—to 20 Black-led organizations across the U.S. These groups engage in movement-building across a diverse set of issue areas, including food systems, prison abolition, environmental justice, disability justice, sex worker decriminalization, and more. The Fund’s process emphasizes participatory grantmaking, with a committee composed of Black artists, educators, organizers, and advocates guiding the decision-making. This structure reflects BLMF’s commitment to shared power and community-led philanthropy. The organizations receiving support in the 2024–2026 cohort include a broad mix of new and returning grantee partners. Grantees include Action St. Louis, Project South, Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative (SnapCo), the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments, and others. The cohort represents an intersectional and inclusive range of identities—queer, trans, disabled, neurodivergent, formerly incarcerated, working-class, and geographically diverse across the South and Midwest. These leaders are working to dismantle harmful institutions and create infrastructure rooted in Black liberation and safety. Notably, BLMF also introduced the Black Disabled Liberation Project, a co-funding initiative with the Disability Inclusion Fund. This arm of the program supported 10 new organizations led by Black disabled activists, addressing historic underfunding and centering disability justice in broader movement work. The Fund emphasizes sustained support, welcoming both new grantees and renewing commitments to long-standing partners to build continuity in transformative organizing. The Fund’s grantmaking is invite-only and does not currently solicit open applications. Organizations are selected through a curated, participatory process informed by relationships and movement expertise. Interested parties or potential collaborators are encouraged to connect with the team by email at [email protected]. No pre-application processes such as letters of intent or concept notes are required at this time due to the invitation-based model. Although BLMF has committed funds through 2025, its commitment to resourcing Black-led organizing continues beyond the current grant cycle. Borealis Philanthropy’s broader strategic focus includes racial, gender, and disability justice initiatives. Those looking to learn more about future funding opportunities, support the Fund, or engage in collaborative work can reach out through Borealis Philanthropy’s website or via the contact email provided.