Building an Inclusive Economy Grants is sponsored by Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI). Focuses on building economic empowerment for Black households by supporting organizations addressing career pathways, wealth-building, and Black-owned businesses.

Building an Inclusive Economy Grants Advancing Equity in Education Grants Building an Inclusive Economy Grants Building an Inclusive Economy Grants In BPI’s 2018 Rethinking Philanthropy report, data reveals how Black residents in Forsyth County are disproportionately affected by systematic inequities—Black workers are more likely to be in low-wage positions, not have access to livable wages, and live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty and neglect.

According to our research, there are no scenarios where a minimum wage job is sufficient to support even a single individual, yet for many Black residents and families, it’s all that is available to them.

We know that this data is the result of centuries of policies, rules and practices intentionally and unintentionally designed to deny Black families the access to resources they need to achieve their dreams and take care of their loved ones.

And while no one grant program can possibly lead to a truly inclusive economy, we know that there are organizations in our community doing incredibly impactful work with Black families that need additional resources.

The Building an Inclusive Economy grant program is designed to support organizations that focus on economic empowerment for Black households and work to rewrite the rules to make Forsyth County a place where we all have the resources we need to support our families. This grantmaking program aligns with The Winston-Salem Foundation’s focus area of the same name though our decision-making is distinct.

We 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.

are being implemented by a 501(c)(3) organization, public school or higher education institution, or a faith-based organization. (Organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) may ask an organization with this exemption to serve as a fiscal agent.) While BPI’s grants are not for businesses , BPI will fund nonprofits, schools or faith-based organizations providing resources or programming for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Priority will be given to: Black-led organizations – Organizations where more than 50% of staff in decision-making roles and/or board members identify as Black Neighborhood Investment – Programs serving predominantly Black neighborhoods, including ZIP codes 27101, 27105, and 27107 Community-centered approaches – Organizations that actively partner with people most impacted by inequities—engaging them in setting goals, shaping solutions, and guiding how the work is carried out Examples of potential grant requests include programs that support Black entrepreneurs, programs that support Black families wanting to learn about investing or how to purchase a home, or programs that provide inclusive pathways to family-sustaining careers.

December 2025 GRANT RECIPIENTS Rejuvenation Support Services, Inc . : Expanding transitional housing and recovery services for justice-involved individuals, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness in Forsyth County—helping restore stability and dignity. My FACE: Empowering low-income single mothers through mentoring and personal development programs designed to foster upward economic mobility and long-term success.

‍ Southside Rides Foundation: Launching a High School Auto Body Training & Mentorship Initiative, opening doors for underserved students to gain technical skills and career readiness.

‍ Helping Inspire Youth Invention & Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Program (HI-YIELD): Delivering a dynamic 16-week experience that trains and mentors inner-city youth to design 3D CAD prototypes, sparking creativity in STEAM fields and entrepreneurship. ‍ Island CultureZ: Reinforcing community resilience through a solidarity economy model that sustains local agriculture and strengthens cultural roots.

‍ Financial Pathways of the Piedmont: Advancing homeownership among Black families in Forsyth County through its Homebuyer’s Club initiative, equipping participants with tools for financial empowerment. ‍ WS RISE: Leading education, criminal justice, and economic development study circles and implement projects using the Moving Families Forward framework—driving systemic change for families.

Building an Inclusive Economy Grant applications are considered once a year through a combined grant cycle; applicants will receive a decision after a two to three-month review period. Do you have a proposal idea you’d like to discuss before you apply? We’d like to hear from you!

Please contact us to schedule a conversation. Officer, Strategic Initiatives bholland@wsfoundation. org (336) 231-0497 Director, Strategic Initiatives smunnings@wsfoundation.

org (336) 604-5160 Community Impact Coordinator bsanders@wsfoundation. org (336) 231-0508