(YORK, PA, June 21, 2022) – The York County Community Foundation (YCCF) board of directors recently approved an additional $500,000 commitment to the Racial Equity Fund Grant Program to address issues of racism and inequity in our community and create systemic change. $250,000 will be available for grantmaking as projects are presented to the committee and $250,000 will be added to the endowment to sustain this grantmaking program into the future.
YCCF launched the fund in 2020 with an initial $100,000 for immediate grant making and $25,000 to establish an endowment. After the launch, another $60,000 in contributions were made to the fund. The first round of grants totaling $60,000 was awarded in 2021.
“YCCF has boldly extended its reach by increasing the funding available through the Racial Equity Grant Program. In addition, the endowment component ensures longevity in this work and gives space for future planning at YCCF,” said Racial Equity Fund Committee Chair Lisa Kennedy. “Having additional money available for grants offers the ability to grow our grantmaking in the areas of leadership, supporting multi-year projects, providing opportunity to smaller organizations, and having a shared investment in neighborhoods working to build lasting improvements for its residents.”
Grantees can apply to the Racial Equity Fund for grants up to $10,000 each for projects that seek to address equity gaps for communities of color in the following areas:
- Education and job readiness
- Criminal justice system
- Community leadership and development
- Income and wealth creation within communities of color
- Racial and cultural education
- Health and wellness within communities of color
The Racial Equity Fund Committee recently awarded $30,000 to three programs to address these gaps.
- $10,000 to York Area Development Corporation for supportive services including case management at the Dutch Kitchen. The case manager will help people of color living at the Dutch Kitchen successfully transition to permanent housing.
- $10,000 to YMCA of the Roses to launch YouthDev at TechRev to connect William Penn students with lucrative careers in the STEM field. Students will participate in a 20 hour per week summer program with a curriculum, including courses that can earn them college credits.
- $10,000 to Community Progress Council for Language Access and Equity Project, which provides translation and interpretation services to CPC clients who identify a language other than English as their primary language.
The Racial Equity Fund Committee comprised of community leaders of color designed the grant program. The committee seeks to support projects that address issues of racism and inequity in our community so that everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
There is a second opportunity to apply for a grant from the Racial Equity Fund in 2022. For more information about applying for a grant, including deadlines, visit https://yccf.org/for-grant-seekers/grant-programs/racial-equity-fund-grant-program/.
The half million-dollar addition isn’t the only commitment YCCF has made to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. YCCF has also committed to using the following DEI Northstar, created by board and staff members, to guide all of our work:
The York County Community Foundation board and staff are committed to making York County equitable and inclusive. We will prioritize our own internal education on systemic racism, ageism, and other forms of bias. All decision-making will be mindful of equal access and diversity, including decisions about grantmaking, donor services and community initiatives. To fuel, lead, and support community transformation, we will be bold, intentional, authentic, and public about our values and commitment to racial equity. Sharing knowledge and power is essential to this commitment.
“YCCF has made a firm commitment to prioritize our understanding and knowledge relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Adrian N. Buckner, MBA, MPP, Vice President of Grants and Community Engagement and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at YCCF. “To the Foundation, these are not mere words, but actions that will be demonstrated in every area of how we do our work for years to come!”
YCCF created the Racial Equity Fund in 2020 to establish a dedicated grant program to support meaningful, positive action towards addressing racial inequities in our community. Additional contributions are being sought to sustain an endowment so that meaningful grants are distributed every year.
Building the Racial Equity Fund endowment is the long-term solution to generating a consistent annual grantmaking program. Donations can be made at https://yccf.networkforgood.com/projects/110503-racial-equity-fund.
For more information on the Racial Equity Fund and the grant program please visit: https://yccf.org/racial-equity-fund/
York County Community Foundation creates a vibrant York County by engaging donors, providing community leadership, and investing in high-impact initiatives while building endowment for future generations. York County Community Foundation holds more than 630 endowed funds and assists donors and nonprofits in reaching their charitable goals. The Community Foundation granted $6.5 million in 2021 throughout York County and beyond, and stewards approximately $211 million in assets.
