Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) believes that mutual aid is a critical part of our work in the philanthropy space. We recognize that our well-being, health and dignity are all bound up in each other and that our survival depends on cooperation, not competition. Giving direct support to Black people who are in need is essential because it is no secret that our communities have not been able to rely on the government.
In December 2022, we launched our Student Solidarity Fund — an expansion to our survival fund, where at the height of the pandemic in 2020, BLMGNF gave $3 million directly to Black individuals, families, small-business owners, and other folks experiencing financial hardship.
Research has shown that students at HBCUs experience higher rates of housing and food insecurity. We can’t build a world of true liberation without our young Black scholars and visionaries. We want to make sure they are able to think and create as freely as they can — without needing to worry about their basic needs.
Basic needs can range anywhere from safe and secure housing to ensuring where our next meal is coming from. These HBCU student scholarships can help to cover anything from filling a student’s bus or train card to buying that *unnecessarily* expensive history book.
For phase 2 of the fund, we’re proud to announce our BLMGNF x HBCU Ambassador Program! This program is an initiative and partnership between Tahir Murray and BLMGNF to ensure a wide range, diverse set of HBCU students have access, knowledge, and ability to apply for funding.