BPI is Accepting Applications for NEW Building an Inclusive Economy Grant Program!
The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) is now accepting applications for our NEW Building an Inclusive Economy Grants Program. The Inclusive Economy grants program is for organizations that focus on building economic security and prosperity for Black households and are working to transform systems to make Forsyth County a place where everyone has the resources needed to support their families. BPI has over $80,000 to invest for this inaugural grant program thanks to the generous support of Kate B. Reynold's Charitable Trust and the Z.Smith Reynolds Foundation. Organizations can apply for grants of up to $15,000.

We will support grant proposals that address one or more of the following areas we see as critical to building economic security and prosperity for Black households in Forsyth County:
  • 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. 

Priority will be given to Black-led groups/organizations. To view our grant guidelines and to apply online, visit www.bpiws.org, select the “Grants” section under “Our Work.” Staff is also available to talk through any proposal ideas and to answer any questions about the application process. For assistance, contact Shamika Starke, strategic initiatives officer at sstarke@wsfoundation.org.

The application deadline is midnight, Monday, November 1.

We hope you will share with your networks!
Our annual fundraiser will be here before you know it! Join us virtually on October 27 from Noon-1 pm for a fun and uplifting celebration of Black giving. We are bringing together BPI supporters, sponsors, and partners with a common purpose: growing and strengthening our growing Black philanthropy movement. Attendees will discover ways to get more involved as a BPI volunteer, committee member, white ally, and more.

If you register by October 6th, we'll send you a free gift from OMG Wellness Bar (a local Black-owned business) in the mail!

But wait, there's more! Since we can’t be together in person for this year’s event, BPI and LeanBack Soul Food (a local Black-owned catering business) have partnered to provide a great culinary experience through pick-up meals! You can order your meal using the button below and your delicious meals will be available for pick up the evening before the event.

In the face of immense challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and separation from one another, our community has demonstrated that we will continue to powerfully show up for Black-led organizations and businesses. Right now, we need all hands on deck to emerge from this crisis stronger than before. And we invite you to join us in solidarity and support to help us respond in these critical rebuilding years.

You can register TODAY by using the button below, or you can visit bpiws.org/register. Please share with your friends, colleagues, and neighbors!
LaTida Smith Joins the Foundation
On September 1, LaTida Smith became the Foundation's fifth president in our 102-year history. BPI is thrilled to have LaTida now on our team, guiding the work of The Winston-Salem Foundation.

We hope you'll take a moment to get to know LaTida a little better by watching her welcome video.
Undesign the Redline: An Interactive Exhibit
Exploring mistakes of the past can help us uncover strategies to build a better future. This sentiment is exactly why a group of community partners collaborated to bring Undesign the Redline to Winston-Salem.

The Undesign the Redline exhibit is an interactive educational tool to prompt conversations about the deep and systemic causes of some of our most pressing crises today. The tour can be emotional and enlightening, provoke discussion and debate, and motivate participants into determined action to make change.

If you're curious about how and why our neighborhoods evolved into what we see today, this is a great way to learn more. The exhibit is free to attend and is open to tour now through November 14 at the Forsyth County Central Library. Please help us spread the word about this great educational opportunity with your family, friends, and colleagues.

To read about upcoming programming, supporting community partners, and resources for continued learning, visit wsfoundation.org/undesign.
Want to have your giving leveraged and be a part of an initiative led entirely by Black people focused on making an impact on the local Black community? Donate to BPI today!