The First United Methodist Church (UMC) with Paul United Methodist Church San Diego released its financial support for the 2022 Racial Justice Grants for San Diego County Organizations this April 2022.
On the Church’s Facebook post on April 8, they announced that $15,000 would be given during the Third Annual Grant Cycle. They added that all applicant organizations must engage in anti-racist policy advocacy. Also, they should provide direct services to People of Color in San Diego County. Another focus of the grants committees will be to support organizations working in Health Care Equity and Mental Health.
Racial Justice Grants at UMC
The church website informed that the Racial Justice Endowment was created in 2020. Because of conscience, conviction, and confession for them as a Christian community. They believe in generosity and sharing all the resources God entrusted to them. They aim to serve their community in a new method of peace and harmony.
The Racial Justice Grants Committee (RJGC) identifies and recommends local beneficiary organizations. They decide who receives funds from the Racial Justice Endowment, said the website. They mentioned that the People of Color led the said committee in their congregation. They include youth representatives and coordinators from St. Paul UMC in San Diego.
Their vision is not only to provide financial help to grantee organizations. But also to invite them to use First Church as a platform to educate and build awareness of their work. Besides, they encourage their members to join them in volunteer activities. The RJGC mentioned that they would consider groups helping any or all Black, indigenous, and other People of Color in the county.
Grants Process, Timeline
The website said that the committee might narrow its focus to one or more specific concerns. As well as community needs every spring. Then each fall, one of the non-profit organizations would receive the grant. The chosen organization should serve people of color. And are working against racism in their community.
They also gave information on their timeline, wherein they announced and released the application in April. The application is only until the end of July this year. Then from September to November, they would conduct the First Church Council meeting schedule to grant awards.
Grantmaking Criteria
The website said that RJGC members would use the Basic Eligibility criteria. So they could identify and recommend recipient groups every grant cycle. They reminded organizations must meet all the given requirements to get the grant,
The first criteria stated on their website is that the organization should give data that at least 75% of those they are helping are people of color. The aspiring group applicants should also be engaged in non-violent advocacy for specific local or state law changes. That helps the community of color in the county.
Besides, they said that applicants must be registered as or supported by a 501c3 organization in the county of San Diego. The church also needs the applicants to be available and be willing to share compelling proofs of success in meeting their mission.
Another important point is that they stated that the organization must agree to use all grants within a year of receipt. And to provide a written narrative report.
