In 2021, York County Community Foundation launched the Racial Equity Fund (REF) grant program which focuses on shifting the paradigm of equitable opportunities.
The Racial Equity Fund offers grants of up to $15,000 each for projects that seek to address issues of racism and inequity within communities of color in the following areas:
- Community Leadership and Development
- Criminal Justice System
- Education and Job Readiness
- Health and Wellness
- Income and Wealth Creation
- Racial and Cultural Education
This grant program was designed by the Racial Equity Fund Committee – a group comprised of community leaders of color.
This committee evaluated and determined the grant fund’s purpose, parameters, and process.
To qualify for a grant, nonprofits or individuals must be working directly with people of color, with a preference for projects that are led by people of color.
To download and print an application or to view materials from our recorded information session, click HERE and scroll to the Racial Equity Fund section toward the bottom of the page.
Important Dates for 2024 Racial Equity Grant Cycles
First Grant Cycle Opens: January 5, 2024
First Grant Cycle Closes: January 22, 2024
Anticipated Decision Date: March 14, 2024
*Program start date for first grant cycle must be March 15 or later.*
Second Grant Cycle Opens: January 23, 2024
Second Grant Cycle Closes: April 5, 2024
Anticipated Decision Date: June 14, 2024
*Program start date for second grant cycle must be June 15 or later.*
Third Grant Cycle Opens: April 8, 2024
Third Grant Cycle Closes: July 5, 2024
Anticipated Decision Date: September 12, 2024
*Program start date for third grant cycle must be September 13 or later.*
Fourth Grant Cycle Opens: July 8, 2024
Fourth Grant Cycle Closes: September 13, 2024
Anticipated Decision Date: December 12, 2024
*Program start date for fourth grant cycle must be December 13 or later.*
Prior to submitting an application, applicants must complete a Grant Inquiry Form.
Grant Inquiry Forms should be submitted to Jason Andrews, Grants Program Manager, to ensure your program or project idea meets the funding source requirements. Once your completed form is received and reviewed, you will receive an email with additional information.
Contact Jason Andrews by email: jandrews@yccf.org or by phone: 717.848.3733
Applications will be reviewed and recommended by the Racial Equity Fund Committee. YCCF staff are available to answer questions and will assist applicants with the application process.
If you have technical questions, such as how to access the application, or how to create an account, please contact Jason Andrews, Grants Program Manager at jandrews@yccf.org
Committee Members:
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Lisa Kennedy – Family Peer Support Specialist, York County Department of Human Services and York City School Board Director |
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Timothy Warfield – Chairman, PA Community Development & Finance Corp.; member of the YCCF Board of Directors; and retired from the National Association for State Community Services Programs. |
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Ashley Keefer – Assistant Public Defender |
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Jamiel Alexander – CEO of E5 Enterprises and Aspen Institute: Forum For Community Solutions Youth Led Change Program Manager |
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José Santiago – Executive Director, YMCA Downtown Branch |
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Kim Brister – Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer |
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Delores Penn – Educational Consultant; retired from the School District of the City of York |
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.
For more information on the Racial Equity Fund including how to donate, please visit: yccf.org/our-work/racial-equity
