Black Girls Defense Fund opens applications for its Resistance and Resilience Grant 2026, offering up to $20,000 to support organizations in the Southern US. This funding targets groups that protect and advocate for Black girls, women, and femme-identifying youth. If your nonprofit works on justice, safety, or health equity in this region, this could be a key chance to build your programs.
About the Black Girls Defense Fund
The Black Girls Defense Fund comes from the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. It aims to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of Black girls and women in the Southern United States. The fund backs efforts in community protection, reproductive and maternal health justice, ending gender-based violence, restorative justice, and fighting systemic dehumanization and adultification.
Groups that receive support must be led by and accountable to the communities they serve. This focus helps grassroots efforts stay strong and connected to real needs.
Grant Overview
The Resistance and Resilience Grant provides flexible funding for new or ongoing projects. It offers general operating support, which means organizations can use the money where it fits best. Key areas include advocacy campaigns, community programs, justice reform, health and safety efforts, and youth empowerment.
This grant builds long-term strength for work with Black girls, women, and femme-identifying youth. It supports frontline responses to issues like gender-based violence and health inequities.
Funding Details
Awards range from $5,000 to $20,000 per organization. The funds act as unrestricted support, giving flexibility for daily operations or program growth. This setup lets groups address urgent community needs without strict limits.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, organizations must meet these rules:
Organizational Status
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or
- Work under a fiscal sponsor that is a nonprofit.
Budget Limit
- Annual budget must be under $1 million.
Location
Work must happen in at least one Southern state: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, or Texas.
Eligible Program Areas
Projects should tackle at least one of these:
- Preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
- Advancing reproductive and maternal health justice.
- Reforming justice and carceral systems.
- Using restorative justice methods.
- Improving safety and well-being for Black girls and women.
- Advocating against adultification and dehumanization.
What Funded Groups Must Do
Organizations that win the grant need to show real impact. This includes:
- Running programs that support Black girls, women, and femme youth.
- Building advocacy or direct services.
- Creating stronger community safety networks.
They also engage communities by gathering input, using feedback, and offering culturally responsive work. Finally, groups track outcomes, measure success, and report progress.
Application Documents
Use the JustFund Common Application. Submit these:
- W9 form.
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.
- Most recent Form 990.
- Current organizational budget.
Application Questions
The form asks detailed responses in three main parts:
Program Design and Impact
- Describe your initiative.
- Outline activities and plans.
- List expected outcomes and how to measure them.
- Share your organization’s history and leadership.
Community Engagement
- Explain how you gather and use community input.
- Describe plans to sustain or grow programs.
- Note media engagement choices.
Resource Use
- Detail how grant money will be spent.
- List partners and collaborations.
- Address funding gaps and long-term plans.
- Mention other needs besides cash.
Timeline
- Applications open: May 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST.
- Info session: May 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST.
- Deadline: May 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST.
- Decisions announced: June 24, 2026.
Info Session Details
Join a live workshop for help with the application and Q&A. It happens on May 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
How to Apply
Visit the Black Girls Defense Fund site at southernblackgirls.org/bgdefensefund to register and submit. Account setup can take up to two days, so start early. Apply at least three days before the deadline. Late entries might not count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Resistance and Resilience Grant from Black Girls Defense Fund?
This grant offers up to $20,000 in flexible funding to nonprofits in the Southern US that protect and support Black girls, women, and femme-identifying youth through justice, safety, and health programs.
Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible groups are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or those with fiscal sponsors, with annual budgets under $1 million, working in Southern states on areas like gender-based violence prevention or health justice.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are due by May 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST, so start early to avoid issues.
How do I submit an application?
Visit southernblackgirls.org/bgdefensefund to register and use the JustFund Common Application, including your W9, proof of status, Form 990, and budget.
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