Open Road grants to help Black community create wealth and prosperity

St. Paul-based Nexus Community Partners chose Juneteenth to announce a new multi-million dollar fund to help descendants of the African slave trade living in Minnesota and the Dakotas build prosperity.

The $50 million Open Road Fund is designed to help Black communities cultivate wealth and prosperity. Over the next eight years, the fund will award $50,000 grants to some 800 applicants to be used for wealth-building-projects in areas that include  education, financial well-being, housing and economic justice. The fund is resourced through the Bush Foundation.

There are no income caps or minimums. Black people, age 14 and up, especially the formerly incarcerated, singles parents, senior citizens, LGBTQ+ and those living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Open Road Fund  will accept individual applications but groups devoted to building long-term wealth in their communities should also apply. 

The application process opened on Juneteenth and those interested in applying should visit https://www.nexuscp.org/open-road-fund/  The application period closes on July 28.

“Through this $50 million Open Road Fund, Nexus has a chance to provide a return on the investment Black folks have long made to this country and create Black wealth. To us, Black wealth-building is about creating spaces and opportunities that help all Black people to thrive,” said Repa Mekha, president and CEO of Nexus Community Partners. “When we have access to an abundance of resources, we can cultivate healing, safety, care and liberation on our own terms.”