Black Equity Movement Program

Black Equity Movement Program Origin Story

The Collins Foundation Black Equity Movement (BEM) committee was formed in 2020 in response to the fatal acts of police brutality against George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, two of many Black people killed by police across the country. The COVID pandemic also plainly revealed a truth Black communities already knew, systemic inequities exist and have harmful generational effects. The Collins Foundation formed the BEM committee to confront and address the inequities experienced by Black Oregonians. We asked Black-led and Black-serving organizations to share their hopes and challenges with us. What we learned led to developing the Black Equity Movement General Operations Grant. The first of several grant opportunities through this program will support nonprofit organizations working toward equitable outcomes for Black communities across the state.



Black Equity Movement General Operations Grant 

The Collins Foundation (TCF) is committed to a just and equitable Oregon for all Oregonians. Through the work of our BEM Committee, the foundation seeks to confront and address the inequities experienced by Black Oregonians wherever they live in the state. 


Eligibility/ Who We Fund:

The BEM General Operations Grant will fund emerging and mid-size Black-serving and/or Black-led organizations operating in Oregon. Eligible organizations have operated for fewer than seven years and/or have a budget under $500,000. Applicants must be one of the following:

  • A nonprofit with 501(c)(3) public charity status

  • An organization or project that operates under a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) public charity


What We Fund:

The BEM General Operations Grant provides unrestricted funds that can be used for general investments in support of a grantee’s mission or for a specific project or program. Grantees can use funds as they see fit to achieve their goals. Examples include salaries or overhead, investments in technology, or program supplies. 


This grant opportunity is for up to 40 percent of an organization’s operating budget or a maximum of $50,000.


We Do Not Fund:

  1. Individuals.


  1. Political campaigns, lobbying, or the crafting of legislation.


  1. Organizations that discriminate against communities they serve, staff, or volunteers on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected status.


  1. Organizations that require participation in religious/faith activities as a condition of service delivery or require adherence to religious/faith beliefs as a condition of service or employment.


Before You Apply: 

It’s our hope the BEM General Operations Grant application process is easy to navigate. A live webinar was held on Thursday, August 17, 12:00-1:30 p.m. Here is the link to the recording to help guide you through the application process. We recommend you gather your financials and other documents before starting the application. 


  • Mission Statement

  • Project description

  • For 501(c)(3) organizations

    • Current and last year’s operating budget, most current balance sheet, and a profit and loss statement.

  • For fiscally sponsored projects

    • The sponsor organization’s annual operating budget, the sponsor organization’s balance sheet, profit and loss statement, signed and dated fiscal sponsorship agreement*, and a list of the sponsor organization’s board of directors, project’ operating budget, and advisory committee member list. 

*Read the Fiscal Sponsorship Instructions for more information. 


  1. Complete the Community Information Form (CIF).


  1. Review the application questions.


  1. Read the FAQs.



How To Apply:

Complete this Google form BEM General Operations Grant application.


The grant submission window is Wednesday, August 9-Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Responses can be edited in the application form until the submission deadline. 


Contact:

Please contact the BEM Committee at bem@collinsfoundation.org if you have any questions, require technical assistance, or want to learn more about the BEM General Operations Grant.