The Black Girls Defense Fund has opened applications for its Resistance and Resilience Grant 2026. This grant offers up to $20,000 to support organizations that protect and advocate for Black girls, women, and femme-identifying youth in the Southern United States. It targets groups working on justice, safety, and health equity in the face of tough challenges like violence and unfair systems.
About the Black Girls Defense Fund
The Black Girls Defense Fund comes from the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. Its main goal is to build up movements that protect the rights, dignity, and safety of Black girls and women in the South. The fund puts resources into areas like community safety, reproductive health justice, stopping gender-based violence, restorative justice, and fighting against adultification and dehumanization.
It gives priority to groups led by and accountable to the people they serve. This helps ensure the work stays close to community needs.
Grant Overview
The Resistance and Resilience Grant provides flexible funding for new or ongoing projects. It offers general operating support, which means groups can use the money where it helps most. Key areas include advocacy campaigns, community programs, justice reform, health and safety efforts, and youth empowerment.
The grant aims to help organizations grow their long-term ability to serve Black girls, women, and femme-identifying youth. Funded groups must show real impact through program work, community ties, and tracking results.
Funding Amount
Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. This unrestricted money lets organizations cover daily costs, respond to urgent needs, and build stronger programs. It supports grassroots efforts rooted in local communities.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, organizations must fit these rules:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor that is one.
- Have an annual budget under $1 million.
- Work in at least one Southern state: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, or Texas.
Groups must focus on issues like gender-based violence prevention, reproductive and maternal health justice, carceral system reform, restorative justice, safety for Black girls and women, or advocacy against adultification and dehumanization.
What Funded Work Must Include
Organizations that receive funds need to:
- Design or run programs for Black girls, women, and femme youth.
- Carry out advocacy or direct services.
- Build community safety networks.
They also must engage communities by gathering input, using feedback, and creating programs that fit cultural needs. Finally, define clear goals, measure success, and report on results.
Application Process
Use the JustFund Common Application. Submit these documents:
- W9 form.
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.
- Most recent Form 990.
- Organizational budget.
Answer questions on program design, community engagement, and resource use. Cover your initiative description, activities, outcomes, leadership history, community input methods, funding plans, partnerships, and sustainability.
Key Dates
- Application opens: May 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST.
- Information session: May 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST.
- Deadline: May 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST.
- Decisions announced: June 24, 2026.
Join the information session for help with the process and questions.
How to Apply
Visit the Black Girls Defense Fund site at southernblackgirls.org/bgdefensefund to register and apply. Account setup can take up to two days, so start early. Apply at least three days before the deadline to avoid issues. Late applications may not count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the funding amount for the Resistance and Resilience Grant?
Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 and can be used for general operating support, urgent needs, or building stronger programs.
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or have a fiscal sponsor, have an annual budget under $1 million, and work in Southern states on issues like violence prevention and health justice for Black girls, women, and femme youth.
What are the key dates for the 2026 grant application?
Applications opened on May 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST, with an info session on May 7 at 7:00 PM EST and deadline on May 14 at 8:00 PM EST; decisions come on June 24.
How do I apply for the grant?
Visit southernblackgirls.org/bgdefensefund to register and use the JustFund Common Application; submit required documents like W9 and Form 990 early to avoid delays.
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