Pursuing a Path to Equity: The Opportunity Initiative
As part of our ongoing commitment to fund programs that invest in diverse populations and communities, we partnered with Inclusive Performance Strategies to review our Community Grant Fund process. Following their findings, we learned that our application unintentionally creates obstacles for small grassroots and BIPOC-founded/led agencies in their efforts to develop a partnership with United Way and receive funding.
These organizations continue to do tremendous work and achieve positive outcomes in the communities they serve. Due to lack of financial support, they often go without marketing, updating technology, recruiting staff, and program curriculums—things they need to grow their impact. Investing in these agencies would enable them to expand their reach and help even more people.
In looking to build the capacity of these nonprofits, we put together the Opportunity Initiative. Our Community Impact staff identified and met one-on-one with the following 15 BIPOC-founded/led agencies that had budgets less than $100,000 and services that align with one of our six issue areas.
These organizations received a one-time grant for support in expanding their operations and programs. In total, we awarded more than $300,000, with grants ranging from $15,000–21,800 each. Funding amounts were based on each agency’s self-reported financial needs through a short application process.
Along with financial support, they have had opportunities to attend skill-building workshops throughout the year to increase their knowledge related to nonprofit business and prepare them for future funding processes. Topics have included forecasting cash needs, measuring metrics and outcomes, social media, grant writing, technical assistance, capacity building, and strategic planning. They have also been able to access additional resources and networks through United Way that were not available to them before.
Through developing this initiative and the new partnerships that come with it, we have learned even more about these small but mighty organizations and the wealth of lived experience they bring. They have made us more aware of what nonprofits are doing to meet people where they are and address their needs on a more personal level. The dedication they have for helping their neighbors is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to them for making our community a better place for everyone to thrive.
Moving forward, our goal is to continue to invest in the Opportunity Initiative again next year, as well as give agencies the tools and support they need to apply for our Community Grant Fund. To ensure we continue to provide equitable opportunities to local nonprofits, we have updated the application to eliminate barriers that people of color face. We hope these changes will encourage nonprofits of all sizes and walks of life to apply during our next grant cycle.
Learn more about how we serve the needs of a diverse community.