[Winston-Salem Foundation](https://www.wsfoundation.org)

May 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical awards: $15,000; annual competition; project duration usually one year

Supports initiatives advancing racial equity for Black and brown students by funding programs that create supportive, resource-rich educational environments.

Priority to Black-led organizations and those serving predominantly Black neighborhoods.

--- ## Description The Advancing Equity in Education Grants, a strategic initiative of the Winston-Salem Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Initiative, are designed to address systemic inequities in education that disproportionately impact Black and brown communities. The program funds projects that foster racial equity in K-12 and higher education, ensuring that students of color—especially Black students—have access to supportive, resource-rich learning environments that respect their humanity and dignity. Funded projects may include improving access to remote learning, reforming disciplinary practices, and providing implicit bias training for educators. The program emphasizes community involvement in shaping organizational goals and prioritizes Black-led organizations and those serving predominantly Black neighborhoods. --- ## Due Dates - May 2026 (Full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant award: $15,000 - Awards are generally for a one-year project period. - Multiple grants awarded annually, subject to available funding. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Public schools - Higher education institutions - Faith-based organizations - Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply through a fiscal agent - Priority is given to: - Black-led organizations (over 50% of leadership staff or board members are Black) - Organizations and programs investing directly in predominantly Black neighborhoods (notably zip codes 27101, 27105, and 27107) - Organizations actively engaging the communities they serve in shaping their work and goals --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted once per year during a combined grant cycle. - The application portal typically opens in late March and closes in early May (anticipated: May 2026). - Virtual information sessions are offered prior to the deadline to review funding priorities and the application process. - Applicants can contact program officers to discuss proposal ideas before submission. - Decisions are typically communicated after a two to three-month review period. --- ## Additional Information - Example funded projects include creative writing/filmmaking programs, culturally affirming academic support, emotional wellness and leadership for Black girls, educational history programs, literacy camps, and youth entrepreneurship incubators. - Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate clear impact on students of color, especially Black students, and to involve affected communities in project design and implementation. --- ## External Links - [Program page and application guidelines](https://www.bpiws.org/our-work/equity-in-education-grants) - [Winston-Salem Foundation homepage](https://www.wsfoundation.org) - [Virtual information session registration](https://forms.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yD75hJ6bUU6dYNvcXJuza1FVIhLe7VVDlEe_HhkSjOZUMzFQTUIxTzdYTkwwMEtRRkc1NVRXQk5OViQlQCN0PWcu) - [Contact page](https://www.wsfoundation.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------| | Brianna Holland | Officer, Strategic Initiatives | [bholland@wsfoundation.org](mailto:bholland@wsfoundation.org) | (336) 231-0497 | | Shamika Munnings | Director, Strategic Initiatives| [smunnings@wsfoundation.org](mailto:smunnings@wsfoundation.org) | (336) 604-5160 | | Brenda Sanders | Community Impact Coordinator | [bsanders@wsfoundation.org](mailto:bsanders@wsfoundation.org) | (336) 231-0508 | | General Foundation Contact | — | [info@wsfoundation.org](mailto:info@wsfoundation.org) | (336) 725-2382 |

Advancing Equity in Education Grants

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