Racial Equity Fund Grant Program

The York County Community Foundation has launched the Racial Equity Fund Grant Program with the overarching goal of shifting the paradigm of equitable opportunities within communities. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to address issues of racism and inequity. By focusing on projects that actively seek to dismantle systemic barriers, the program embodies a strategic commitment to fostering a more just and inclusive society. The program reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investment in racial equity initiatives will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of people of color and contribute to broader community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits and individuals working directly with people of color. There is a strong preference for projects that are led by people of color, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to empowering community-led solutions and ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and effective. The impact goals of the program are centered on addressing systemic racism and inequity across various critical areas, with the ultimate aim of creating more equitable opportunities and improved outcomes for communities of color. The Racial Equity Fund Grant Program prioritizes projects within six key focus areas: Community Leadership and Development, Criminal Justice System, Education and Job Readiness, Health and Wellness, Income and Wealth Creation, and Racial and Cultural Education. These areas represent strategic priorities for the Foundation, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of racial inequity and the need for comprehensive interventions. Each of these focus areas is designed to address specific disparities and challenges faced by communities of color, fostering a holistic approach to racial equity. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes of this program are implicitly tied to significant advancements within the identified focus areas. For instance, projects in "Education and Job Readiness" would ideally lead to improved educational attainment and employment rates among people of color. Similarly, initiatives in "Criminal Justice System" would aim for reduced disparities and more equitable treatment. The Foundation's strategic commitment to these focus areas suggests an expectation of positive, measurable shifts in community well-being, equity, and opportunity as a direct result of the funded projects, with grants available up to $15,000 for these impactful endeavors.