Announcing $105,000 in Building an Inclusive Economy Grants

The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) announces $105,000 in grants awarded through its Building an Inclusive Economy grants program. These awards bring BPI’s 2024 grantmaking total to $239,650.

This grant cycle focused on building economic empowerment for Black households in Forsyth County by addressing one or more of the following areas BPI sees as critical to building economic security and prosperity: creating accessible pathways to family-sustaining and high-paying careers, offering tools for wealth-building and financial stability, and supporting a thriving community of Black-owned businesses.    

Grants were awarded to:  

• Carter G. Woodson School: $15,000 for the CGWS NextGen Family Entrepreneurship Program supporting students and families in legalizing and growing their businesses including workshops on financial literacy, budgeting, and entrepreneurship  

• Castle Heights Neighborhood Association: $15,000 to train residents in trade skills including a home repair program, fostering community development, generational wealth, and sustainability in Castle Heights  

• CDC 4 Southern Winston-Salem: $15,000 to pilot a workforce development program providing vocational training and tailored support for ex-offenders and underserved populations, fostering inclusive pathways to employment  

• Honorable Youth: $15,000 to support a transitional housing program providing financial literacy, mental health services, and down payment assistance to help female-headed households achieve economic security and homeownership  

• Island CultureZ: $15,000 to expand the use of the Culture LightZ tool, assessing community needs and developing actionable plans that empower residents through food resiliency, entrepreneurship, and collaborative economic solutions  

• North Carolina Black Repertory Company: $15,000 to provide training and resources for entrepreneurs on sales tax, POS systems, and co-retail operations, fostering business growth and success through shared retail opportunities and community engagement  

• Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce: $15,000 to support a 14-session program equipping youth aged 14-17 with entrepreneurship, career readiness, and financial literacy skills through mentoring, hands-on experience, and paid opportunities

The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) extends its heartfelt gratitude to Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Piedmont Federal Savings Bank and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for their generous contributions, which helped make this year’s Inclusive Economy grantmaking efforts possible.  

In 2024, BPI awarded a total of $239,650 in grants to local programs and initiatives, with the majority of funds invested in Black-led organizations supporting local Black communities.  These grants are a testament to the power of collective giving, with Forsyth County community members pooling resources to support meaningful change.

ADVANCING BOLD, BLACK-LED COMMUNITY CHANGE 

In fall 2022, the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) launched its fundraising campaign, Advancing Bold, Black-led Community Change, with an ambitious goal to raise at least $2 million over three years. The majority of funds raised directly support BPI’s annual grantmaking programs, while a portion will strengthen BPI’s endowment to ensure sustainable grantmaking for years to come. Learn more at bpiws.org/campaign.

UPCOMING FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FROM BPI 

BPI currently offers three grant programs: Impact Grants, Advancing Equity in Education Grants, and Inclusive Economy Grants. Applications for the Advancing Equity in Education grant program will open in spring 2025.