What is the BLMGNF Student Solidarity Fund?
As another demonstration of BLMGNFs efforts to disrupt philanthropy, we have launched a half-a-million-dollar Student Solidarity Fund during the fall of 2022. This fund gives dollars directly to Black alumni with college debt and current HBCU students to purchase things they need to survive. This comes as a next step to our mutual aid work following The Survival Fund.
Who is the fund for?
The second phase of the fund, which is open from April 17, 2023 at 12:00pm EST, is dedicated to all currently enrolled undergraduate HBCU students. The $750 scholarship can be used for transportation and commuting costs, books, technology, food, housing, or other students need to survive.
What is the process to apply?
Applicants should fill out the application at blmlfund.zendesk.com. We highly encourage individuals to complete the entirety of their application to have a better chance of being selected. Once your application is submitted it will be reviewed holistically and equitably by BLMGNF. If you are approved, you will receive an email with information about how to access your micro-grant.
How will funds be distributed?
Funds will be distributed through the UpTogether platform created by the Family Independence Initiative (FII). Once approved for a microgrant, applicants will be given instructions and an invitation code via email to access their funds on the UpTogether platform. Individuals can learn more about FII and the UpTogether platform at uptogether.org.
What am I allowed to use the microgrant for?
Whether you need a new suit for that internship, putting money on your metro card, help putting food on the table, or help to pay off those *unnecessarily* expensive textbooks, you can spend the money on whatever your unique student need is. We believe that recipients will know how the funding should best be utilized for themselves.
We think restrictions on what money can be used for are a byproduct of paternalistic and racist institutions that perpetuate the lie that Black people cannot be trusted to make responsible decisions with their money.
How will I know I have been selected?
If selected for a microgrant, individuals will receive an email with instructions on how to access their microgrant.
When will I know I have been selected?
You will receive an update on your application within 4-6 weeks of April 17, 2023. You should pay attention to your email and look out for emails from support@blmfund.zendesk.com and/or student solidarity@blacklivesmatter.com.
I was selected, but I need help accessing my funds?
Please see your approval email for detailed instructions and support for how to access your microgrant.
For more help, watch this step-by-step instructional video.
Or visit support.uptogether.com.
How are you defining Black?
We're trusting people to self-identify.
Will you make public the names of people who received microgrants?
Only if we have the permission of the recipient. We will respect those who prefer to maintain their privacy.
Why wasn’t I selected?
Due to an immense demand and available funding, we may be unable to provide microgrants to everyone who applies. We will be selecting individuals from an equitable point rubric criteria we developed, giving all applicants a fair chance at selection.
How can I support the BLM Student Solidarity Fund?
Spread the word, follow us on social media, and donate!