Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is The Black Fund of Central Texas?
The Black Fund of Central Texas (TBFCT) is a community-led fund investing in Black-led and Black-serving organizations to uplift solutions rooted in justice, equity, and community wisdom. We prioritize organizations working across Central Texas in areas that support Black futures.
We will award $250,000 in total across 20 organizations, divided into four tiers:

Grant Tier

# of Awards

Award Amount

Finalist

5

$20,000 each

Semifinalist

5

$15,000 each

Runner-Up

5

$10,000 each

*Committee Choice Accelerator Honoree

5

*$5,000 each
*These grants are awarded after successful completion of the 10-month capacity-building accelerator program (Jan–Oct 2026).
Eligibility & Application Logistics
Can I apply more than once?
No. We will only accept one application per organization and/or project lead. Duplicate submissions will be disqualified.
Only if the proposed project directly serves and benefits the Central Texas region, which includes Travis, Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson counties.
Yes! You may apply using a fiscal sponsor. If you need help identifying a sponsor, email us at [email protected].
A fiscal sponsor is a 501(c)(3) organization that allows individuals or unincorporated groups to apply for and receive grant funding under its tax-exempt status. If your organization doesn’t yet have its own 501(c)(3), a fiscal sponsor ensures legal and financial oversight for your grant.
No, for-profit companies are not eligible to apply directly at this time. However, if the proposed project is charitable in nature and the for-profit entity partners with an approved fiscal sponsor (a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization), the application may be considered. The fiscal sponsor must be listed on the application and serve as the responsible party for the grant.
Your request should not exceed 30% of your annual operating budget and should reflect the scope and cost of your proposed project, however this is just a suggestion, not a requirement; if it does not, your application will still be considered. We assess fit based on your organization’s financial capacity and project plan.

Application Details

When does the application open and close?

Opens: Friday, August 1, 2025
Closes: Tuesday, September 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM CT
 Late applications will not be accepted.

Yes. The system allows you to save and return before the deadline.

Absolutely. We offer virtual workshops, info sessions, and office hours:

  • Grant Writing Workshop: July 23, 2025 (Virtual)
  • TBFCT-Specific Workshop: August 12, 2025 (Virtual)
  • In-Person Workshop + 1:1 Help: August 23, 2025
  • Office Hours: August 25–29 and September 8–12, 2025
  • Info Session Webinar: August 15, 2025 (Live + Recording)

The scoring rubric is available on theblackfundcentraltx.org and linked within the application.

Committee Choice Awards
hat is the Committee Choice Award?

The Committee Choice Award is a special designation for five applicants who show strong promise, alignment with The Black Fund’s mission, and a need for additional support to grow their capacity. These honorees are invited to participate in a 10-month Capacity Building Accelerator before receiving their grant.

Each honoree is awarded a $5,000 unrestricted grant. However, this funding is contingent upon successful completion of the accelerator program.
This award is designed to support long-term growth. Honorees receive training, mentorship, and peer support over 10 months to strengthen their infrastructure, strategy, and sustainability. The grant is disbursed at the end of the program to support implementation of lessons learned.
It is a 10-month cohort-based program, beginning in January 2026, designed to equip selected organizations with the tools, relationships, and guidance to grow their impact. Sessions cover topics such as:
  • Strategic planning
  • Fund development
  • Storytelling & marketing
  • Board building & governance
  • Financial infrastructure
  • Evaluation & impact measurement
These are the expectations for participating in the Committee Choice Accelerator:
  • Attend the in-person kickoff on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 12–6pm
  • Participate in monthly workshops (virtual or in-person) from -February–October 2026
  • Complete all assignments, coaching sessions, and check-ins
  • Submit a brief progress report at the end of the program to release grant funds
We understand life happens. If you’re unable to fulfill the commitment, we’ll work with you to explore alternatives (e.g. deferred participation). However, the grant will only be disbursed to participants who complete the full program.
No. The accelerator is provided free of charge, and participation is considered part of the award.
The program is led by The Black Fund’s ecosystem of partners—including funders, coaches, and leaders from Central Texas—who are deeply rooted in movement-building, equity, nonprofit leadership, and community wealth-building.
You’ll receive a notification on December 5, 2025, along with other funding decisions. Honorees will also be invited to an orientation and onboarding meeting in mid-January.
Grant Funding & Follow-Up
What does “unrestricted funds” mean?
Unrestricted funding means you can use the grant to support any aspect of your organization or project’s operations, not just one specific program. This includes staff salaries, rent, technology, or capacity-building; as long as it aligns with your mission and application.
Yes. All grantees are required to track and report project progress using a reporting tool provided by TBFCT in partnership with Measure Ignite. Additionally, participation in a grant orientation is required.
Capacity Building for Applicants
Who Do Not Receive Funding
What if I don’t receive a grant award? Can I still participate in the Capacity Building program?
Yes! All applicants—whether funded or not—are invited to participate in a 10-month Capacity Building Program beginning in January 2026. This is a gift from The Black Fund Of Central Texas to support your growth as a leader, builder and changemaker in Central Texas.
We believe that every organization and idea that applied is worth investing in. Even if you weren’t selected for funding this cycle, we want to help you build momentum, develop your skills, and explore other funding pathways. This program will help you improve:
  • Grant writing and storytelling
  • Strategic project planning
  • Fundraising and partnership development
  • Organizational capacity and sustainability
It includes the following:
  • Monthly workshops (virtual or hybrid) from February to October 2026
  • Topics such as nonprofit infrastructure, budgeting, impact measurement, community engagement, and board development
  • Peer support, coaching, and guest speakers from the field
  • Opportunities to build relationships with funders and collaborators
No. This program is completely free and open to any 2025–2026 grant applicant who is not awarded funding.
You’ll receive an invitation in December 2025 if you are not selected for funding. The invitation will include registration details and dates for the January orientation.
While participation doesn’t guarantee funding, it positions you strongly for future opportunities—including future cycles of The Black Fund. You’ll leave with tools, clarity, and relationships that make you more competitive and prepared.
How Can I Participate in
The Black Fund of Central Texas?
I’m not applying for a grant. How else can I participate?
There are many ways to be part of The Black Fund of Central Texas! We are a community-led effort, and your time, energy, and support help grow our impact.
Yes! We’re always looking for thoughtful and equity-minded individuals to serve as grant scorers during our next cycle. As a scorer, you will receive training on our scoring rubric and equity principles, and your insights will help shape where funding goes in our community.
Absolutely. Every dollar given to The Black Fund Of Central Texas directly supports Black-led and Black-serving organizations in Central Texas. Whether it’s $25 or $25,000, your contribution helps shift power and resources into the hands of our communities.
Yes! Throughout the year, we host community gatherings, forums, learning sessions, and celebrations. These events are great opportunities to meet local changemakers, learn about community needs, and celebrate Black excellence. Be sure to:
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Follow us on social media
  • Check our website for upcoming events
Yes. We welcome volunteers for events, communications, and outreach. We also love to hear from storytellers, fundraisers, creatives, and organizers who want to lend their talents to this work.
The Black Fund of Central Texas is powered by the community. Every reviewer, donor, and advocate helps ensure that resources flow to those closest to the work. Your participation helps build a more just, equitable future for Black Central Texans.

Additional Questions?

I still have questions. Who can I contact?

Email us at [email protected] and we’ll respond within 72 hours.

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