Cincinnati, Ohio – For the third consecutive year, United Way of Greater Cincinnati is giving grants to Black changemakers to fund creative ideas and impactful projects that help Greater Cincinnati communities address poverty and systemic inequality. In partnership with bi3 and P&G Always, United Way has announced the investment of $1.3 million into 60 Black-led projects and programs promoting social mobility, economic prosperity, and systemic change through its Black Empowerment Works program.
The work selected will provide a range of services to improve health, education, employment, and economic well-being. The 2022-2023 class of 60 grantees includes a mix of community coalitions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, and individuals. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. Eighteen grantees are returning from the class of 2020 and/or 2021 to continue growing the capacity of their work. The full list of recipients is listed below and can be found, along with more information about the program, at uwgc.org/bew.
“We are proud to continue our deep commitment to collaborating with organizations and leaders who are closely connected to the community,” said Moira Weir, president and CEO of United Way. “We are incredibly thankful to partner with the changemakers carrying out this work and those making positive impact throughout Greater Cincinnati.”
Jena’ Bradley, director of Black-led Social Change at United Way, said one key to the Black Empowerment Works grantmaking process is the community involvement. A panel of 45 community reviewers spent a combined 1,300 hours selecting organizations they believe exemplify the mission of Black Empowerment Works.
“We can’t thank our amazing community reviewers enough for the work they put into making these selections,” said Bradley. “Without their hard work and belief in the Black Empowerment Works program, none of this would be possible.”
Greater Cincinnati has a wealth of Black social changemakers, as indicated by the 215 applications received. Investing in more Black-led ideas, programs and projects brings:
- Greater diversity of ideas and solutions.
- A better understanding of the unique strengths, opportunities and challenges within communities, and
- Collaboration on strategies that work to reduce racial disparities in outcomes.
Since its inception in 2020, the Black Empowerment Works program has invested $2.9 million in 100 Black entrepreneurs and social changemakers. Still, support goes beyond the grant. Grantees connect with other beneficial resources to support their ideas, including having access to volunteers and mentors, trainings and opportunities to share their knowledge with others.
Visit the United Way of Greater Cincinnati website to see a full list and descriptions of each program or by clicking here. View photos from the event here.
