Office of Equity and Inclusion launches first Asheville healing mini-grant program

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In support of Asheville City Council’s Vision 2036 of an equitable and diverse community, the Office of Equity and Inclusion is launching a mini grant program to support existing projects  in Asheville that promote racial healing, reconciliation, and/or transformation in Asheville communities. The communities of focus are those who were most impacted by government policies and practices that caused racial trauma and/or displacement. Our intent is not to initiate new projects, but to support those projects already established in the community. Funding can reach up to $4,999 dollars per organization.

 

The funds are meant to provide flexible resources for local, community-based organizations focused on eliminating structural barriers and/or improving the quality of life for the City’s most vulnerable populations. These grants are intended to: 

 

  • Provide financial support to community members/groups who are already working toward racial healing.
  • Build toward a more trusting relationship between City government and those who have been disenfranchised and underinvested in by local government.
  • Inform a definition and vision of Equity for Asheville, including how the City of Asheville government should participate in the healing process.

 

The City of Asheville received the NC Innovation and Implementation Grant from  the Government Alliance on Race and Equity to partially fund this project. GARE is a national network of government jurisdictions working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. The City is a member of GARE and has worked to train City staff on equity and inclusion to create more capacity for operating and decision-making with equity in mind. 

 

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online. For facts about the grant, please visit this link.

Please contact Yashika Smith with any questions, or visit our website for more information. The deadline to apply is  5 p.m. Nov. 6.