Grant Money Directed Toward Fight for Racial Equality Hits Record Amounts
- Author: Mary Singleton
- Posted: 2024-12-07
A few months ago, many corporations and business leaders stepped up to fund grants and other types of financial assistance geared toward providing economic relief and support for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While these programs are still in full swing, many businesses are now pledging additional financial support to social justice causes. The tragic killing of George Floyd has ignited the passion of a nation in support of eradicating racism and ensuring that everyone is treated equally, regardless of the color of their skin. As protests continue to grow, these companies are doing their part to put money behind the cause in the form of grants and donations.
Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is leading the charge for racial justice in the entertainment industry. The multimedia giant has pledged to donate a total of $5 million in support of non-profit organizations that promote the work of social justice. The first $2 million in donation money has been directed to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Sephora
The large beauty chain has already invested more than $1 million in a myriad of organizations that support social justice issues. Included in this list of recipients are National CARE, Center for Urban Families, NAACP, The National Black Justice Coalition, and The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Black Women's Roundtable.
The Lego Group
It is no surprise that The Lego Group is directing funds to organizations and non-profits that support black children. The company is donating $4 million to groups that are committed to teaching children about the importance of racial equality and what they can do to do their part in this fight.
Proctor and Gamble
Proctor and Gamble (P&G) is launching an entire initiative dedicated to promoting the advancement of racial equity. The initiative is called Take on Race: Advancing Racial Equity Together. P&G will donate an initial $5 million in funds toward the program. The goal is to engage in strategic action steps to foster collaboration and provide programs that offer improved access and opportunities to people of color.
Google is no stranger to promoting the cause of social justice issues and this time is no different. The company recently announced that it was funneling a whopping $12 million in funds to organizations that address and mitigate the presence of racial inequities.
Amazon
Not to be outdone by Google, Amazon recently announced a grant of $10 million spread out over a variety of organizations. Beneficiaries of this money include the ACLU Foundation, NAACP, Year Up, Brennan Center for Justice, Equal Justice Initiative, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, National Bar Association, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Urban League, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and United Negro College Fund.
Facebook is continuing the tradition of community involvement of companies in the Silicon Valley. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has pledged $10 million of company funds to be directed toward organizations that demonstrate a commitment to fighting for racial justice.
Bank of America
Bank of America is delivering in a significant way. The banking leader has pledged $1 billion over the next four years. The money is intended to support local communities as they address the various financial and racial injustices that have been revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. By directing this massive amount of money to both racial inequality and the effects of the virus, Bank of America is providing assistance to thousands of people.
Etsy
Etsy has granted a total of $1 million to be distributed evenly between the Equal Justice Initiative and the Borealis Philanthropy's Black-led Movement Fund.
Verizon
The wireless communications king has directed $10 million to a bevy of organizations that work tirelessly in the fight for racial equality. Recipients of these funds include the National Urban League, National Action Network, Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, Rainbow Push Coalition, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
The work of achieving full social justice is far from over. However, with the help of the financial assistance of some of the world's leading companies, many nonprofit organizations will be able to take a few steps closer to achieving their goals.
