DEADLINE: Friday, December 4th at 11:59PM
Elevating Equity is a unique grant opportunity focused on supporting innovative and impactful grassroots-led projects addressing systemic inequity, including racial inequity in Elgin. We believe the most powerful solutions to community issues can and should come from those facing those issues in their daily lives. If you are currently working on or have been dreaming up a project whether direct service, community organizing, arts & culture, or more, this grant is for you! Please note, this grant is intended for those individuals, groups, and/or organizations who have not been able to secure funding and/or face significant barriers to accessing funding.
Check It Out for More Info
Application: Both Written & Video Submission
Application Deadline: Friday, December 4th at 11:59PM
Grant Award Range: $1000-$5000 for the period of 2/1/21 to 1/31/22
Click Here for more information on Eligibility.
VISION & MISSION
VISION
WE ENVISION AN ELGIN WHERE OUR DIVERSE, GRASSROOTS RESIDENTS HAVE THE POWER TO CREATE A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY BUILT ON EQUITY & JUSTICE, TRUST & LOVE. WE ARE INSPIRED BY OUR GRASSROOTS RESIDENTS, WHO ARE THE LEGACY-CREATORS, MOVEMENT-BUILDERS, AND CULTURAL LEADERS NEEDED IN OUR CITY.
MISSION
WE SEEK TO SUSTAIN A GRASSROOTS GRANTMAKING STRUCTURE THAT BOTH CENTERS AND AMPLIFIES THE UNDERHEARD AND OVERLOOKED VOICES OF ELGIN, SUPPORTING RESIDENTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES TO NURTURE THEIR CREATIVITY AND REALIZE THEIR VISION. WE BELIEVE CENTERING THESE COMMUNITIES ENSURES A BETTER, MORE EQUITABLE ELGIN FOR ALL. WE BELIEVE EQUITY CANNOT BE ACHIEVED UNLESS RACIAL EQUITY IS ACHIEVED.
OPPRESSION (RACISM, SEXISM, CLASSISM, HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA, ETC.) CREATES DEEP INEQUITIES THAT WE SEE IN SOCIETY AND IN ELGIN. IN TRADITIONAL PHILANTHROPY, THESE FORMS OF OPPRESSION PREVENT GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM BEING THE ONES WHO MAKE FUNDING DECISIONS OR RECEIVE THE FUNDING. ELEVATING EQUITY PLACES THE DECISION-MAKING POWER IN THE HANDS OF OUR GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
FOUNDATION OF OUR GRANTMAKING
The following four intentions are the foundation of our grantmaking. We encourage you to reflect on these four intentions as you prepare your proposal.
WE DIG beneath the surface, beyond symptoms, and even beyond our own assumptions to uncover the root causes that have kept inequities in place for generations.
WE CENTER those who are directly impacted, honor their history, and TRUST their leadership.
WE IMAGINE the world as it should be and do not settle for the world as it is. A world of possibility & promise, equity & inclusion for all.
WE REFLECT in order to grow as individuals and organizations and to stay accountable to our values & our communities.
Who We Are
The Design Team is a group of Elgin residents who have designed this grantmaking initiative and who will decide the first grant awards.
We also want to give a special thank you to the following individuals who played a critical role in initiating and supporting this effort: Oswaldo Alvarez, Steven Rosado, and Adria Husband.
Design Team Member
Design Team Member
Design Team Member
Design Team Member
Design Team Member
Tel: 224-407-2979
email: elgin@grandvictoriafdn.org
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM