Amid Political Uncertainty, The Black Collective Foundation MN invests over $1 Million to Strengthen the Durability of Black-led Organizations Across Minnesota
We are thrilled to announce that we are investing over $1 million in grants to strengthen the systems – the infrastructure, leadership, and culture – of 25 Black-led organizations that are advancing Black-led change across the state.
In 2025, we will commemorate the historic and global call for racial justice that ignited right here in Minnesota and spread around the world. The call and the need for transformational change still reverberates today. To achieve the visionary change we seek, philanthropy must deeply invest in the permanency of the Black-led change ecosystem so we can better shape the next five years – and our collective futures.
Meet Our Grantees
Proven Impact ($50K)
Through one of its strategic funds, the Black Collective Foundation MN is investing $50,000 each in the following organizations that have demonstrated tangible impact and need support to sustain, scale, or deepen their impact by strengthening their systems.
Black Girl Advocate is a mentorship program for Black girls that works to close the gap of representation and reinvent the narratives around Black girls in this community. Their core work is two-fold: advocacy for Black girls and women, and guiding the next generation into greatness and purpose through mentorship and exposure.
BLovely Productions and LeMae Photography believes storytelling is a powerful tool for healing, education, and empowerment and is dedicated to producing content that authentically reflects the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities in Minnesota. Through the dual efforts of production and photography, BLovely Productions and LaMae Photography aims to offer a powerful counter narrative that celebrates Black identity and culture.
Community Member for Environmental Justice corrects the environmental and socio-economic harms that have disproportionately impacted the predominantly Black community of North Minneapolis. Their vision for change is rooted in building a resilient, self-sustaining community where residents have the resources, opportunities, and power to thrive.
Morning Glory Montessori is the first school of its kind to blend together: Black liberation theology and nonviolence/Beloved Community practices’ African-American culture and history that connects to Black people’s collective story; and high-fidelity Montessori pedagogy expressed in a culturally responsive prepared environment.
New Roots Midwest has successfully implemented workforce development initiatives, such as employment training, job placement, and skills development services to help immigrants overcome barriers to employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency. They offer comprehensive services that include career evaluation, resume building, skills development, and job search support for new immigrants to Minnesota and North Dakota.
OneMN/Seeds To Harvest is a collaboration of community organizations, leaders, and institutions in and around North Minneapolis. With a reach in seven different cities in the Twin Cities and six other communities within Minneapolis, they coordinate and organize youth under duress.
Project Restore Minnesota advances the social, political, and economic interests of Black people across Minnesota by addressing the critical issues facing system-impacted youth, particularly Black boys. The organization seeks to dismantle the oppressive structures that disproportionately affect young Black men in the youth justice system.
Salem Inc. provides services, connection, and support for African American youth, men and women, and their families – primarily North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, areas of downtown Minneapolis, and first ring northern suburbs – for more than 20 years. They offer case management, mentor-based support, and community-level response violence intervention, 21 Days of Peace and Safe Passage, for the individuals and communities most affected by violence, mass criminalization, systemic disparities, and historic injustices.
Sir Boxing Club is a transformative space that not only provides physical training but also addresses broader social, political, and economic needs within the community. The gym is not just a place to train; it is a space where Black families come together to demonstrate the importance of health, discipline, and community involvement. This holistic approach addresses immediate needs and contributes to their long-term personal and professional development.
Village Arms supports African American families impacted by child protection and racial disparities in the child welfare system from initial reporting and screening to assessment and discharge. Their focus is family preservation and reunification through parenting education, in-home visits, resource acquisition, and advocacy with a cultural base.
Planning & Visioning ($10K)
The Black Collective Foundation MN is investing $10,000 in each of 15 organizations to support their innovative approaches to Black-led change by building strong systems from the start.
846s is focused on mental health, with an approach that is deeply rooted in the ongoing fight for the dignity, well-being, and freedom of Black people. 846s creates a safe space for mental health healing journeys of Black, marginalized, and underserved communities across Minnesota to respond to current challenges but also reflect Black communities’ inherent dignity.
All Things Possible Theatrical and Arts Group uses all forms of the arts, from visual to the performing arts, to help individuals be inspired to create and tell their stories. They believe that, with the power of Black culture using the arts, Black people across Minnesota and beyond will be empowered to rise up and express their stories.
Biking with Baddies hosts cycling rides in nature that benefit community building, health and well-being, visibility, representation, economic empowerment, advocacy, social justice, and empowering black people through leadership. The space allows Black people to connect, share, learn, and build networks that are valuable both personally and professionally.
BOB Rewards Club has helped increase the number of Black-owned businesses in Minnesota since 2016. Their vision is to create economic systems that increase generational wealth for Black Americans in Minnesota and nationwide. BOB Rewards Club also hosts events for and with Black-owned businesses, including the largest Juneteenth celebration in the state of Minnesota.
Bubble Line Brewing Company will be the first Black woman-owned brewery in Minnesota, with an aim to promote community and employee wellness and expand diverse representation in the craft brewing industry. They will offer beer making workshops, craft brewing apprenticeships for future Black brewers, and top-notch offerings for employees.
Construction CREDS, LLC is building a technology platform to enable a more diverse pool of skilled tradespeople to connect with mainstream construction work. These expanded opportunities for work will foster the opportunity for Black prosperity in the form of more jobs, training, and development; exposure to other contracting work; and access to investments and wealth building.
Digie Made, LLC improves the quality of life for Black males by providing culturally congruent content with a focus on leadership, self-awareness, and the development of young minds. The organization provides mentoring that supports students in their journey to adulthood.
Healing By Lauryn is deeply passionate about getting Black folks to rest and prioritize their well-being. Lauryn has been a massage therapist for 11 years with a dream to own a rest retreat outside of the city offering Black folks a space to peacefully exist.
Just B Solar Co. seeks to institutionalize renewable energy education in a way that becomes a standard part of the curriculum in schools across Minnesota, particularly in under-developed and under-resourced predominantly Black and Brown communities.
Peace in Practice is a Black-led, homegrown, holistic wellness movement that specializes in developing culturally relevant, trauma-informed professionals and programs centering mindfulness and yoga in Black and Brown communities. Each offering aims to promote holistic wellness, increase knowledge of how to manage stress and trauma, and build healthy coping mechanisms and relationships.
Rochester in Color amplifies the voices of Black and minority communities through innovative media and community outreach. Their online magazine and e-newsletter feature profiles of local role models and shine a light on Black-owned businesses.
Sister Saves Sisters began as a mentorship program designed to empower Black teen girls in Rochester, MN. Over the years, the organization has supported over 100 girls, many of whom have graduated, and at least 20 of them have gone on to college. Through mentorship, life skills training, and building strong community ties, Sister Saves Sisters creates an environment where these girls can excel academically, emotionally, and socially.
The Ark Lounge, LLC aims to create a space that encourages community, support, and empowerment for Black adults in Minnesota, particularly those with Christian faith. The Ark is designed to be more than just a lounge; it is a hub for connection, inspiration, and personal growth that aims to create a space that uplifts Black professionals, enabling them to thrive spiritually, socially, and economically in an environment that is responsive to their needs.
The B Suite is a dynamic resource hub dedicated to fostering the social, political, and economic interests of Black people by providing culturally specific coworking spaces, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. Through sustainable community building, The B Suite aims to contribute to the long-term strength and unity of Black communities in Minnesota.
The Bureau is a multidisciplinary creative studio and media platform that serves as a hub of skill development for local Black communities, including advertising and production, creative strategy, and product development. By mentoring, hiring, and providing opportunities for young Black artists, The Bureau addresses systemic inequalities affecting Black people in a majority white sector.