United Way of the Greater Triangle Announces Anti-Racism Community Fund
United Way of the Greater Triangle is proud to announce the Anti-Racism Community Fund today as an extension of the organization’s equity-driven community impact strategy. The fund aims to turn nationwide conversation around systemic racism into local action by providing resources to develop Triangle-wide community leadership and organizing capacity while also investing in organizations with experience dismantling institutional racism in the housing, food, health, workforce, or education sectors. Individual donations will have double the impact thanks to $125,000 in matching grants provided by United Way and John Rex Endowment. Visit unitedwaytriangle.org/arc to donate now.
“We believe that justice is rooted in action, community empowerment, and dismantling the systems that perpetuate racism and keep our neighbors in poverty,” said Nick Allen, United Way of the Greater Triangle’s Chief Program Officer. “We are honored to have support from John Rex Endowment to kick off these incredible efforts and are excited to have many more join us in the fight against racism in the Triangle.”
United Way is also bringing on Justice Love Foundation, an activism organization focused on creating systemic change nationwide, to best identify and support local nonprofit leaders of color in their efforts to address chronic social challenges within the Triangle.
“We are proud to work with United Way and other partners who are providing leadership during this time of civil unrest in our community,” said Jimmy Talton, John Rex Endowment’s Board Chair. “This involvement fits perfectly with our 20-year mission of advancing positive change for children, especially black and brown children and families, and we look forward to helping those who are working to address structural racism that currently exists in the Triangle.”
United Way is assembling a committee of local leaders closest to this work to vet grant applications and funding priorities in partnership with United Way’s Community Investment Committee. The organization is also enlisting an advisory board of community experts to make funding recommendations, ensuring that leaders and/or organizations don’t miss funding opportunities from lack of exposure. The Anti-Racism Community Fund webpage will be updated with a list of these leaders as they’re confirmed and features answers to frequently asked questions for anyone seeking more information in the meantime.
The announcement of the Anti-Racism Community Fund comes just days after United Way shared that its Rapid Response Fund, which launched March 16 in direct response to COVID-19, has officially distributed more than $1M in emergency relief to Triangle area nonprofits providing residents with critical resources and intentionally targeting racial disparities identified during the global pandemic. For more information about how United Way of the Greater Triangle is investing in long-term and equity-driven solutions to eradicate poverty and increase social mobility, visit their website at www.unitedwaytriangle.org.
