Future Forward Relief Fund launches 3rd grant cycle for Black-owned biz in Birmingham

future forward relief
Have you heard of the Future Forward Relief Fund? Photo via Freedom Line Tours’ Facebook.

The Future Forward Relief Fund, a Black-owned philanthropic financial institution, is launching their third grant cycle to support small and Black-owned businesses around Birmingham. Local creatives, nonprofits and entrepreneurs keep reading to find out how you can apply.

What is the Future Forward Relief Fund?

mural future relief fund
Created to inspire. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Have you heard of the Future Forward Relief Fund? This philanthropic organization is a program of the Penny Foundation, which aims to lessen economic inequality in the Black community by funding entrepreneurship. The Future Forward Relief Fund aims to fund opportunities for local Black-owned businesses in Birmingham.

The third launch of this fund is also brought to you by these local organizations:

How you can apply

downtown Birmingham
Downtown Birmingham is home to so many businesses. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

If you are a biz owner with a dedicated checking account specifically for your business, you’re eligible for this fund. Applications are open from January 17–February 4.

Businesses are awarded in three categories separated by what stage they’re in:

  • the concept stage, <1 year
  • the starter, 1-5 years
  • the established, five+ years

Share your story via written or video submissions to the Penny Foundation on January 17.

We can all agree that one of the things we love about Bham is small businesses. Look through our directory of small businesses you should support.

The Perks

Why apply for this grant? It will help you generate additional revenue, provide assistance in business model pivots + so much more. They’re not rewarding a single organization but offering multiple grants to different Birmingham businesses. Check out the funds that will be rewarded:

  • (2) $5,000 Grants
  • (3) $2,500 Grants
  • (6) $1,000 Grants
  • (7) $500 Grants

Winners will be announced at the AG Gaston Business Conference on February 23, 2022.

Stay updated on the fund by following the Penny Foundation on socials:

Love all things small business? Follow us @bhamnow to stay updated.

Summer Guffey
Summer Guffey

Art enthusiast and expert on all things tea.

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