Black organizers across the country are keeping a spark burning bright in the name of our collective liberation. Drawing from generations of Black power, they name, imagine, and build pathways out of systemic oppression. They are grounded in the far-reaching wisdom of Black movements for justice. They uproot white supremacist thinking, press institutions to transform, and form new systems to sustain people’s self-determination and dignity. Locally, Black organizers in the Twin Cities have expanded the political possibilities for our movements toward justice.   

The Black Movement Ecosystem at Headwaters launched in 2021. In the last round of funding BME distributed $550,000 to 17 organizations across Minnesota. BME makes grants to Black-led groups and supports their organizational development and capacity-building needs. These grants are for Black-led organizations that grow power with Black people. Grant decisions will be made by a committee of community members serving as grantmakers.  

Apply to be a Black Movement Ecosystem Grantmaker

We are recruiting members to join the Community Grantmaker Committee, which will serve from October 2024 through May 2025 and will distribute $1 million to 20 organizations. Are you interested in being a part of this work? Applications open now through September 12 at 5 p.m. 

You will work alongside fellow Community Grantmakers to design the application and review process to make decisions about which organizations will receive grants. You will gain insights on what community-led grantmaking is and tools for engaging in collective decision-making. Committee members will receive an honorarium of $1,500 as a gift of appreciation for participation.

Click here to apply to join the committee

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For questions about the Black Movement Ecosystem, please contact Abena Abraham, Black Movement Ecosystem Program Officer, at abena@headwatersfoundation.org or 612-400-6274.