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Applications are now open for the Black Girls Defense Fund Mini-Grant 2025
The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium’s Black Girls Defense Fund is committed to supporting organizations advocating for the rights and safety of Black girls, women, and femme-identifying youth in the South.
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Through the Resistance and Resilience Mini Grant, the fund will provide up to $2,000 in financial support to grassroots movements, advocacy campaigns, and community programs addressing dehumanization, adultification, and violence against Black girls and women.
This unique funding opportunity empowers organizations fighting for racial and gender justice by strengthening community-led initiatives across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas.
Who Can Apply for the Black Girls Defense Fund Grant?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be an organization supporting Black girls, women, or femme-identifying youth.
- Be based in one of the eligible Southern states (listed above).
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have fiscal sponsorship from another nonprofit organization.
- Have an existing or new program, project, or advocacy campaign focused on protecting and uplifting Black girls and women.
Grant Award Details
- Funding Amount: Up to $2,000 per grantee.
- Purpose: Support organizations working to combat dehumanization, violence, and social injustices against Black girls and women in the South.
- Grant Usage: Funds can be used for program development, advocacy efforts, community engagement, and direct services.
Guidelines for Application
Applicants must submit their application through the JustFund Common Application™. Before applying, ensure that your organization’s profile is updated in the JustFund portal.
Step 1: Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Log in to JustFund and complete the Common Application™.
Step 3: Use the state filter to indicate where your work is based.
Step 4: Answer all application-specific questions (outlined below).
Step 5: Upload all required attachments (including 501(c)(3) proof or fiscal sponsor documentation).
Application-Specific Questions
1️⃣ Program Design and Expected Impact
- Describe how your organization will use the grant for a new or existing program, advocacy campaign, or initiative.
- Outline specific activities, expected outcomes, and impact metrics.
- Provide a brief history of your organization, including its leadership and mission.
2️⃣ Community Engagement & Advocacy Strategies
- Explain how you will engage the community and stakeholders in your initiative.
- Describe how your project will sustain and expand its impact.
- Indicate whether you would like to be included in media coverage if selected.
3️⃣ Resource Allocation & Sustainability
- Detail how you will allocate the $2,000 grant for maximum impact.
- Share any additional funding sources or partnerships that will support your project.
- Outline your long-term sustainability plan beyond this funding period.
Required Documents & Attachments
- Proof of 501(c)(3) Status – Upload your IRS determination letter or fiscal sponsorship agreement.
- Optional: Letters of Support – Up to two letters from community members, partners, or stakeholders endorsing your project.
- Optional: Video Submission – Instead of written responses, applicants can submit a 5-minute video addressing all application questions.
Note: For submitting a video, write “N/A” in the required text fields and attach a document with the video link.
Application Deadline: April 10, 2025
