United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC) awarded grants to eight local nonprofit organizations totaling $52,000 as part of the Inaugural Power Up Fund.
The fund was established to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) nonprofit leaders who share in and align with UWGMC’s commitment to reducing barriers for under-resourced, economically challenged and under-served populations.
The Power Up Fund matters because research has shown that organizations led by leaders of color are under-funded and organizations led by women of color receive even less support. UWGMC is addressing the funding disparity by providing unrestricted grants and connecting BIPOC leaders to valuable organizational resources.
The Power Up Fund is seeded by UWGMC’s endowment. UWGMC is grateful to the Power Up Fund Grants Advisory Committee comprised of community members from a variety of sectors for their role in the grant review and selection. The 2023 Power Up Fund grantees are as follows:
- African Link Initiative
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County
- HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement)
- HomeWorks, Trenton Inc.
- NJ Black Women’s Collective
- Princeton Nursery School
- Salvation & Social Justice
- Womanspace, Inc.
“We are excited to launch the Power Up Fund and to support the capacity of BIPOC led nonprofit organizations. This is new and bold for the organization. Equity and access is at the core of what we do. We are committed to dismantling inequities and building a thriving community for all” Sandra Toussaint, President, and CEO of UWGMC.
About United Way of Greater Mercer County: We connect people with resources propelling individuals and families to reach their fullest potential creating a thriving community. Our vision is a vibrant and inclusive greater Mercer County whereby all can thrive. We invest in programs, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement in youth and family success, economic vitality and health and wellness. For more information please go to www.uwgmc.org.
