Mayor Michelle Wu, in collaboration with the Office of Black Male Advancement, has launched the third installment of the Community Empowerment grants program. A total of $500,000 has been allocated to reinforce nonprofits working to bolster the lives of Black males throughout Boston. Community organizations may apply for up to $20,000 in financial assistance. Mayor Wu expressed enthusiasm for the grants, emphasizing the community’s role in uplifting Black men and boys in various neighborhoods.
According to the City of Boston's official release, Mariangely Solis Cervera, the city’s Chief of Equity and Inclusion, highlighted that the grants reflect a broader aspiration to create sustainable changes and forging lasting opportunities across Boston. These grants are not just financial; they are tokens of belief in the local organizations aiming to positively transform the spaces Black men and boys occupy.
The BMA isn’t just providing funds; it's also investing in the organizational health of the beneficiaries. Grantees will receive access to BMA’s Capacity Building and Impact Institute along with mentoring through a partnership with Mass Mentoring. This means not only monetary support but also training and resources to amplify their influence. Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement, told the press about the inspiration drawn from seeing the everyday community influence that these organizations have.
From mentoring programs and pathways to economic success to support for mental wellness, the grants focus on seven key areas. Organizations wishing to apply need to be Boston-based with a proven track record of impactful work with Black men and boys. The historical budget for these grants amounts to $1.5 million, benefiting 115 organizations. To provide guidance on the application process, BMA will hold an informational Zoom session on December 11. Interested parties are encouraged to find out more by visiting the BMA website or reaching out through the provided email for grant-related queries.
