The EmpowerMENt Fund, administered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), is designed to support initiatives that uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County, Michigan, while promoting their educational success. The fund, informed by extensive community engagement, takes a holistic approach by investing in individuals, organizations, and networks that address systemic inequities and aim to create lasting positive change for young Black men in the region.
The fund focuses on middle school through post-secondary education-aged youth and supports programming related to mentorship, vocational and trade skill training, and college readiness. The ultimate goal is to help dismantle the current systemic deficits that obscure the talents, strengths, and potential of young Black men in the community.
Approximately $120,000 in total grant funding is available for the current cycle, with organizations allowed to request up to $15,000. Each organization is permitted to submit only one application. Grants will be awarded to initiatives that align with the fund’s mission of empowering young Black males through education and development opportunities. This opportunity is only available to programs operating within Washtenaw County.
The application portal opened on April 4, 2025, and submissions are due by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, May 16, 2025. Applications must be submitted through AAACF’s new NonProfit Portal, which requires nonprofits to create a new account for access. All applicants are encouraged to watch the applicant tutorial video to understand the updated submission process and allow enough time for account verification.
An optional, virtual information session will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 12:00 to 12:45 PM via Zoom. Interested participants must register by 9:00 AM on April 16, and login details will be emailed to registered attendees the afternoon before the session.
For questions regarding the EmpowerMENt Fund, applicants can contact Amina Iqbal, Senior Community Investment Officer at AAACF, at aiqbal@aaacf.org or 734-663-0401 x118. Additional information about AAACF, their financials, and community initiatives can be found at www.aaacf.org.
