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Facebook invests $20,000 in Huntsville 'Racial Equity Fund'

The funds raised in the month of February will be available in the following grant cycle, which opens in March.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Facebook is investing $20,000 in the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville's Racial Equity Fund, the foundation announced on Wednesday.

The foundation said Facebook is the fund's first sustaining donor, which includes individuals, families or companies that commit to donating $5,000 or more to the Racial Equity Fund, of 2021.

The fund was launched in 2020 with financial support from 70 founding donors to help communities address equity issues, the Community Foundation said. The fund issued a total of $114,000 in grants for 13 local nonprofit organizations in its first grant cycle.

The grants supported projects and programs in the following five focus areas:

  • Education and job readiness
  • Health and wellness
  • Income and wealth creation
  • Neighborhoods and communities
  • Criminal justice system

The foundation said that in an effort to provide a lasting legacy of support for racial equity, 50% of all donations are used for grantmaking in the year they are received and the balance is endowed to provide a permanent source of funding.

In honor of Black History Month, the foundation is attempting to secure at least 28 sustaining donors in the 28 days of February. As sustaining donors are secured, they will be announced on the foundation's social media pages.

Facebook became the fund's first sustaining donor of February with its investment of $20,000.

“Facebook stands against racism and in support of the Black community and all those fighting for equality and justice every single day. The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville is doing important work that directly benefits our community, and we are proud to be a Sustaining Donor,” said Facebook Southeast Regional Community Development Manager Katie Comer. “We invite other companies and organizations in the Greater Huntsville region to join with us in supporting the Racial Equity Fund.”

The funds raised in the month of February will be available in the following grant cycle, which opens in March. Local nonprofits in the focus area seeking grants should apply by April 15.

“When we tackle existing equity gaps, we expand opportunities to many people across our community,” said CEO and President of the Community Foundation Melissa Thompson. “Only then can we experience the changes necessary to be a place where all residents can learn, work, and further contribute to a healthy, thriving, and prosperous place to call home.”

For more information on the fund, visit the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville's website.

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