DSACF Unity Fund Grant

The Unity Fund is an initiative of the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing equity and justice for individuals of African Heritage in the Duluth, Minnesota region. The fund’s core mission is to act as a catalyst for change by investing in efforts that expand access to opportunity, strengthen systems, and foster the full participation of African Heritage individuals in community life. The Unity Fund was developed as a targeted response to address the enduring impacts of systemic racism and to promote long-term equity within key social systems such as housing, education, healthcare, law enforcement, and economic development. Funding from the Unity Fund is allocated to projects and organizations that are designed to advance racial equity and dismantle systemic racism. Grant-supported activities may include community organizing, educational programs, public outreach campaigns, leadership development, and initiatives that foster safe spaces for cultural expression and healing. In particular, the fund values work that seeks to raise awareness about racial inequities, build coalitions across diverse communities, and empower African Heritage individuals of all ages through leadership training and capacity building. The fund is open to both individual organizations and collaborative initiatives, with varying award tiers depending on the scope and structure of the proposal. Eligible applicants must be organizations classified under specific IRS codes: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Section 170(c)(1) public entities such as public schools and government agencies, churches, Tribal governments under Section 7871, or those with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Geographic eligibility is strictly limited to programs serving communities in Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, Proctor, Rice Lake, or the Iron Range. This defined regional scope reflects the Foundation’s place-based approach to community investment and its commitment to localized impact. The Unity Fund uses a rolling application process. Applications open on February 23, 2026, and are accepted on an ongoing basis thereafter. Applicants must first request an access code from Kursula at [email protected], after which they complete a brief online application form. Applicants are also invited to express interest in a meeting with the Unity Fund Committee. This committee, composed of African American and African Heritage leaders, reviews proposals, engages in discussions with applicants, and makes funding recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Key discussion points during committee meetings include the proposed initiative’s goals, its potential impact, and how funds will be used. Evaluation criteria include the proposal’s alignment with the Unity Fund’s mission, demonstrated community need, measurable impact potential, and the extent to which the initiative contributes to systems-level change. Preference is given to projects that involve collaboration and demonstrate strong community engagement. Successful applicants are expected to complete a Grant Story form upon project completion, submitted through the Foundation’s portal. The fund offers awards of $5,000 to $10,000 for individual organizations and up to $25,000 for collaborative projects involving multiple organizations. Although the fund operates with a rolling deadline, the Foundation recommends early engagement due to the competitive nature of the funding. The Unity Fund represents a vital mechanism for advancing racial equity and supporting transformative change within northern Minnesota communities.

Prioritize alignment with racial equity mission and potential for systems-level change. Preference for strong community engagement and collaboration.