Black Girls, Young Women, Black Queer and Transgender Youth RFI
The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is excited to invite applications from select community-based organizations for DEEL's Black Girls, Young Women, Black Queer and Transgender Request for Investment (RFI). This funding opportunity was established by City Council as part of DEEL's 2021 budget, and allocates up to $375,000 to support Black girls, young women, and Black queer and transgender youth during the 2021-2022 school year.
Who can apply, and for how much money?
The following organizations are eligible to apply for this grant:
- Building Resilience Awareness & Variations of Excellence (BRAVE)
- Coyote Central
- FEEST
- Girls on the Run
- YMCA
- Young Women Empowered (Y-WE)
Applications for this grant are restricted to the organizations listed above. Each applicant who is selected for funding will receive a one-time grant up to $75,000.
What types of programs can be funded?
This grant will fund community-based organizations that improve outcomes for Black girls, young women, and Black queer and transgender youth through one or more of the following program areas:
- Sources of Support: Youth assume leadership positions in creating, offering, and participating in support services.
- Accessing support: Youth are comfortable accessing support services in a safe environment that fosters trust, shared culture and community, and personal connection.
- Mental Wellness: Youth can readily access mental health supports that are community-based and culturally responsive and specific.
- Adult Mentorship: Youth form meaningful, authentic, and supportive relationships with Black adults who reflect a similar culture and background, providing youth with identify affirming guidance and leadership development.
- Dedicated Safe Spaces: Youth have easy access to physical spaces to gather that are intentionally designed for and by youth to foster a nurturing environment of safety, community building, and care.
- Youth Oversight and Expertise: Youth have positions of power and authority in all budgetary decision making and program design and implementation.
More information about the types of programming eligible for grant funding are detailed in the application.
How will applicants be selected?
This grant will be competitive with up to five applicants eligible to receive up to $75,000 per awardee. DEEL will evaluate applications for funding using specific evaluation criteria outlined in the application and review panel recommendations.
How can organizations apply?
Eligible applicants will submit a grant application online no later than November 1 at 3:00 pm. DEEL will notify successful applicants by Friday, December 3, 2021.
What is the timeline for this grant?
Application Opens: October 11, 2021
Technical Assistance Session 1: October 20, 2021 2:30pm-4:00pm
Last Day to Submit Questions: October 27, 2021 4:00pm
Application Deadline: November 1, 2021 3:00pm
Application Review Period: November 8th - November 17, 2021
Notice Provided to Selected Applicants: Friday, December 3, 2021
Pre-Recorded Information Session
Information Session Slides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Updated: 10/28/21
Full Application - WORD - PDF
Application Submission Document - WORD - PDF
Budget Submission Template
For questions, please contact: DEELFunding@seattle.gov with "Question: Black Girls, LGBTQ Youth RFI" in the subject line..