Building Organizational Capacity - Closed

We know from experience, focus groups, and recently conducted research that the Forsyth County/Winston-Salem area is plagued by challenges including barriers to employment that pay a living wage; failure to develop strategies that provide opportunities to all races and ethnicities; high residential segregation and concentrated poverty; not investing in a more efficient and effective public transportation system that could produce increased mobility for those who need it; and having poor coordination of community resources that inhibit thriving residents and thriving communities.

Another key lesson from surveys and community conversations is that residents of marginalized neighborhoods want to change the dynamic of decision makers outside of low-income areas launching programs and initiatives without partnering with the people most impacted by economic disparities. These residents want to shift the way power is distributed to encourage more transparency and accountability in building economic and social systems that benefit everyone. We heard this feedback, and the Trust is developing strategies, in concert with the community, for building a more inclusive economy.

An inclusive economy is one in which there is expanded opportunity for more broadly shared prosperity, especially for those facing the greatest barriers to advancing their well-being. Simply stated, an inclusive economy offers more opportunities for more people.

To build more robust and inclusive partnerships, the Trust recognizes the need to develop additional capacity for organizations that are deeply connected to financially-disadvantaged residents and communities of color. This funding opportunity aims to provide general operating support grants to groups with strong networks among racial and ethnic minorities or in low-income neighborhoods. To apply, organizations should be engaged, or demonstrate a willingness to engage, in efforts to address long-standing economic, educational, or health challenges facing Forsyth County.