EmpowerMENt Fund
Forecasted
EmpowerMENt Fund supports groups uplifting young Black males in Washtenaw County through mentorship, educational readiness, trades pathways, and wraparound support to advance success and opportunity.
Funder: Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $80,000 total; up to $10,000 per organization (2026 cycle)
Summary: Supports programs that uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County through educational success, mentorship, and pathways to long-term opportunity.
Key Information: Only one application per organization will be considered.
Description
The EmpowerMENt Fund, administered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), supports efforts that uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County while promoting their educational success. Established through extensive community input and advice, the fund takes a holistic approach to supporting people, groups, and networks working to address inequitable outcomes while honoring young Black men’s strengths, assets, and community contributions.
The fund invests in programs serving students from middle school through post-secondary education. Priorities include mentorship and relationship-building, academic and college readiness, vocational and skilled trades pathways, and wraparound supports. Its emphasis on empowerment, collaboration, and leadership development seeks to help young people thrive and shape their communities.
