Mission
The Racial Equity Fund of the Athens County Foundation is a vehicle for supporting anti–racism and racial equity in Athens County. The Racial Equity Fund supports anti–racist educational projects and community programs, as well as builds capacity and opportunities for People of the Global Majority* in Athens County.
Vision
A sustainable, vibrant Athens County where all residents, including those of the Global Majority, can live safely and comfortably, work successfully, and thrive.
Purpose
Build a community that attracts, welcomes, and supports people of the Global Majority while rooting out white supremacy;
Support learning and education to build knowledge, skills, and inform attitudes about racial equity;
Nurture community leadership so there is the capacity to leverage assets, identify gaps, and tackle challenges;
Partner with entrepreneurs, employees, and business owners who are creating and sustaining a robust and diverse small business community that serves community needs
and builds wealth;
Provide resources to those advancing racial equity through grantmaking, convening, and relationship–building; and
Build a funding source to promote sustainability and lasting change.
Advisory Board
The Racial Equity Fund is governed by a group of volunteer community members who are committed to an antiracist and equitable Athens County. The Board maintains a composition of at least 50% diversity, where voices of people from the Global Majority are centered and amplified.
Grants
There are two grant opportunities available to advance anti-racism and racial equity in Athens County:
Rolling grants: Proposals up to $2,500 are reviewed monthly.
Biannual grants: Proposals up to $4,000 will be accepted in the fall and in the spring.
Examples of qualifying proposals:
- learning and education programs, e.g., book clubs, staff training, youth education
- community events
- immigrant support
If you are an individual/organization with project ideas that fits the racial equity fund’s purpose but is not eligible to apply for funding per our policy (see Eligibility Screening), we encourage you to connect with our staff to discuss alternatives. Please contact us at info@athensfoundation.org with your questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can grant funding be used?
Funds can be used for costs related to projects, programs, and events. Some examples are materials and supplies, promotions, technology, speaker honorariums, educational materials, food and beverages, and venue rental. Grants can support existing programs and organizations or launch new projects and organizations.
What kinds of ideas is the Racial Equity Fund interested in supporting?
The Fund’s mission is to advance anti-racism and racial equity in Athens County. This can take many forms, and the Advisory Board is interested in supporting existing and new ideas in Athens County.
How are applications reviewed?
The Fund’s Advisory Board reviews all applications and recommends to the Athens County Foundation Board whether to provide funding. Recommendations are based on funding availability, the number of proposals received, and how the proposed activities will address racial equity and anti-racism.
Who is eligible to receive a grant?
Grants from the Athens County Foundation typically are awarded to nonprofit organizations (organizations designated a 501(c)(3) by the IRS), units of government (cities, school districts, and agencies), and religious organizations. If you are not working with one of these entities, please contact the Athens County Foundation to discuss options for your application, including possibly partnering with an eligible entity, finding a fiscal sponsor, or other arrangements.
How can I learn more about applying for a grant?
Schedule a meeting to talk with Athens County Foundation staff or Racial Equity Fund Advisory Board members to ask questions and discuss your proposal. The Advisory Board is interested in supporting new and existing ideas and is committed to making the application process welcoming and supportive. Email info@athensfoundation.org or call 740-594-6061.
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*People of the Global Majority – The term People of the Global Majority (GM) has been adopted by many people to describe the majority of the world who consider themselves non–white. Contrary to other terms such as BIPOC, BAME, POC, and minorities, the term GM does not revolve around the concept of whiteness and of being an “other.” The term aims to empower and highlight that non–white identifying people are the majority of the global population. Additional references for antiracism–related terms used in this document can be accessed at https://www.racialequitytools.org/glossary