The history of oppression in the United States against Black and Brown people is as ancient as the first African American landing in the United States. Black people’s struggle for economic independence and freedom from a systemically racist country is undeniable. It seems this white system has no interest in improving BIPOC’s well-being. (If you need support outside of this grant application please refer to our Rapid Response page.)
Community Engagement and Support is one of VRJA’s programs which provides statewide individual assistance and small business grants. We disrupt the status quo economic systems as we work to transform and create new ones. We advocate for, create, and manage programs to assist in personal empowerment and business creation. Additionally, we advocate for, create, and manage programs to assist personal and business development. We advocate and support land and home ownership.
The program should resonate with every BIPOC who thrives for financial independence. Knowing the economic struggle of BIPOC, the Alliance wants to build sustainability within this program to continue to help others in our community become economically empowered.VRJA knows that there is a major need for support in the BIPOC communities so we are providing this program. We will be issuing one grant per applicant annually.