Coastal Community Foundation helping black-serving non-profits

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Coastal Community Foundation has extended its Facebook grant program application process for another week.

The organization was chosen by Facebook as one of 20 groups across the United States to administer $1 million to black-led and black-serving non-profits in the Lowcountry.

The Coastal Community Foundation Vice President of Grantmaking and Community Leadership Edie Blakeslee says they will split the $1 million between 20 and 40 non-profits around the Lowcountry.

“I do believe all of the social unrest and all that’s happening in the country is really the driver for Facebook,” Blakeslee said. “And while we will want to know how the pandemic has affected organizations and their ability to do the work, the most important for us and what we’re looking for is how they serve the black community, how they build resiliency, what it looks like, if it’s creative and innovative, and that’s really the focus.”

This includes small and large non-profits from five core areas of eligibility: arts, culture and humanities; education; human services; community improvement and capacity-building; and civil rights, social action, and non-political advocacy.

Blakeslee says the grant program is specifically designed for nonprofits providing goods or services that support black people and communities.

To meet the criteria, organizations must meet two of the three of the following stipulations: At least 51% of the Board of Directors identifies as Black; The organization’s Executive Director or equivalent identifies as Black: At least 51% of the organization’s Leadership Team, or senior management level, identifies as Black.

Organizations can also qualify if the population served by the group is at least 51% black.

“I mean I know money isn’t the only thing, but this is a really affirming opportunity and we’re very excited to be able to do something specific for black-led organizations and organizations that serve black communities,” Blakeslee said. “I think it’s super important and something that shouldn’t be just a moment in time, it should really be part of how we do our work fully.”

Blakeslee says those who wish to apply can fill out a written questionnaire or submit a video answering the same questions and explaining why the non-profit deserves the funding.

The original deadline for applications was Feb. 10, but it’s been extended through next Wednesday to allow for more submissions.

The Coastal Community Foundation also says they don’t want lack of resources or technology to hinder someone’s application. People who need help applying, are encourage to reach out to the foundation directly.

CCF says they hope to have the final grant selections made by late June.

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