Mennonite Mission Network offers an Anti-Racism Grant for individuals and organizations managed by Asian, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous or other People of Color groups who are engaged in peacebuilding, social justice and anti-racism efforts.

These three organizations were selected from the 46 applicants to receive the funding they requested:

• Chainless Change, $15,000 (Lauderhill, Florida) - Offers recovery, advocacy, and support to those negatively impacted by the criminal legal system.
  
  
• Life After Release, $15,000 (Washington DC area) - Supports formerly incarcerated individuals to overcome the barriers that often plague individuals after release.
  
  
• St Joseph Urban Church Alliance - Faith in Indiana, $7,500 (South Bend, Indiana) - A vehicle for congregations, clergy, and people of faith to act collectively for racial and economic justice in Indiana.

The grant program is an acknowledgment of the historical and ongoing systemic disparities that disproportionately affect diverse communities and aims to empower those who are actively working to address and rectify these issues. These grants are particularly aimed at smaller nonprofits who are often overlooked and have trouble obtaining funding.

“Mission Network is delighted to support the exceptional work of these three dynamic organizations in their communities,” said Eric Frey Martin, Interim Director of Constituent Engagement and a member of the Mission Network Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team. “We were impressed by the high number of quality applications from organizations across the country and are encouraged by their commitment in the struggle for peace and equity. We trust the good work will continue and look forward to partnering with more organizations in the future.”

Applications for the anti-racism grant are accepted from October - January and are awarded annually in the spring.

1. Eligibility: Organizations led by Asian, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous or other People of Color who are engaged in peace-building initiatives, conflict resolution, racial and social justice, community healing and related efforts are encouraged to apply. Only organizations that operate within the United States will be considered at this time. We hope to contribute to the mission of God by starting within our home communities.
   
   
2. Application process: A simple online application must be submitted between October 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025.
   
   
3. Grant amounts: Grants will be awarded based on the specific needs and impact potential of the applicant organizations, with varying award sizes to maximize the reach and effectiveness of the grants. A total of $50,000 will be available for distribution in 2025.
   
   
4. Community outreach: Mission Network will actively engage with Asian, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous or other People of Color communities and organizations to ensure the program reaches those who need it most. This includes collaboration with community leaders, advocates and organizations.
   
   
5. Evaluation and reporting: Grant recipients will be asked to provide a brief annual report, describing how the money was used thus enabling Mission Network to assess the impact of the grants and share success stories.

Applications are reviewed by members of the (DEI) team in consultation with diverse members of Mennonite Church USA.

The DEI team assists Mission Network in its strategic priority for peace, justice, and DEI. We do this by assessing our organization from an anti-racism lens to create continual transformation for intercultural competence in our structures and relationships.

Mennonite Mission Network exists to lead, mobilize and equip the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world.