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

May 4, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Up to $15,000 per grant; one application per organization per cycle.

Supports organizations advancing economic empowerment for Black households in Forsyth County through career pathways, wealth-building, and Black-owned business support.

Priority for Black-led organizations, programs serving Black neighborhoods, and community-centered approaches.

--- ## Description This grant program, administered by the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) of the Winston-Salem Foundation, funds organizations dedicated to economic empowerment for Black individuals and families in Forsyth County, NC. The initiative aims to address historic and systemic inequities by supporting efforts that create accessible pathways to family-sustaining careers, provide tools for wealth-building and financial stability, and foster a thriving community of Black-owned businesses. Priority is given to Black-led organizations, those serving predominantly Black neighborhoods (especially ZIP codes 27101, 27105, and 27107), and organizations that actively engage community members in shaping their programs. --- ## Due Dates - May 4, 2026: Full application deadline (midnight) Applications are accepted once per year during a single grant cycle. --- ## Funding Amount - Organizations may request up to **$15,000** per application. - Only one application per organization is accepted per cycle. - Funding supports program/project grants, planning, collaboration, evaluation, research, and pilot programs. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Operate within Forsyth County, NC. - Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public school, higher education institution, or faith-based organization. - Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a qualifying fiscal sponsor. - Not be for-profit businesses (however, nonprofits, schools, or faith-based organizations offering programming for Black entrepreneurs are eligible). - Not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected categories. **Priority is given to:** - Black-led organizations (over 50% of staff in decision-making roles and/or board members identify as Black). - Programs investing in predominantly Black neighborhoods (ZIP codes 27101, 27105, 27107). - Community-centered approaches involving those most impacted by inequities. --- ## Application Process - Review the [grant guidelines](https://docs.wsfoundation.org/bpi/bpi-grant-guidelines-2026.pdf). - Submit proposals online through the [Winston-Salem Foundation Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=wsfdn). - Applications open March 30 and close May 4 (annually). - Applicants are notified of funding decisions in June. - For proposal discussions or questions, contact the BPI team (see contact information below). --- ## Additional Information - Example projects include support for Black entrepreneurs, financial education for Black families, career readiness programs, and initiatives addressing systemic barriers to economic mobility. - Virtual information sessions are typically offered in April for prospective applicants. - BPI does not fund individuals, for-profit businesses, capital campaigns, or programs focused solely on direct financial assistance. --- ## External Links - [Building an Inclusive Economy Grants Program Page](https://www.bpiws.org/our-work/building-an-inclusive-economy-grants) - [2026 Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://docs.wsfoundation.org/bpi/bpi-grant-guidelines-2026.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=wsfdn) - [Winston-Salem Foundation Main Website](https://www.wsfoundation.org) --- ## 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 Inquiries | — | [bp@wsfoundation.org](mailto:bp@wsfoundation.org) | — | | Foundation Main | — | [info@wsfoundation.org](mailto:info@wsfoundation.org) | (336) 725-2382 |

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