I Be Black Girl awards grants to local businesses
By Lillian Nero
Omaha nonprofit organization, I Be Black Girl (IBBG), announced they had awarded over $50,000 in grants to small businesses earlier this month (June 2021). IBBG’s mission is to support Black women, girls and femmes, which they do through funding allocation, events and policy advocation.
Founded by Ashlei Spivey and Jay Warren-Teamer, IBBG has been around since 2017 and shortly after, began fundraising for their IBBGives program. Since May of 2019, IBBGives has awarded a total of $135,925.
“That first year, we raised close to $50K - which showed both the interest and relevance for a pool of funds dedicated to us,” said Warren-Teamer, Co-Founder and Gives Lead coordinator.
According to Warren-Teamer, IBBGives aims to invest in programs and projects that support Black women, girls and femmes. “We unapologetically prioritize funding projects that are led by Black women, girls and femmes,” she said.
“At the beginning of each grant cycle, IBBG issues a request for proposals (RFP).” “We also don’t require applications to be registered 501(c)(3), which can be a limitation for many grassroots or community-based projects accessing grant dollars.”
Although IBBG does receive money from philanthropic partners, community members also pitch in to make such grants possible. Warren-Teamer said that she is most proud of the Black women, girls and femmes and their allies who invest in the grant program. Out of the six businesses awarded, two received a grand total of $10,000, while four others received either $9,000 or $7,500.
Here is a list of 2021’s grantees.
Grant recipients from 2019-2021. Photo by I Be Black Girl
Art Bus: $10,000
According to their story, Lincoln’s Art Bus aims to “provide a free opportunity for youth to create & heal through art.”
The Art Bus is a travelling art studio allowing local youth to heal through art. As of now, the Art Bus is not in Omaha, but with grant money awarded by IBBG, the Art Bus will be extending their services locally!
Omaha Black Doula Association: $10,000
The Omaha Black Doula Association exist to decrease maternal morbidity and infant mortality for mothers of color. Photo by Omaha Black Doula Association’s Facebook Page.
According to their website, the mission of the OBDA is, “to decrease maternal morbidity and infant mortality.” In a Facebook post from IBBG, they said that the grant money will help the OBDA to provide two community baby showers and basic necessities for soon to be parents.
Touch of Gold: $10,000
With the money received from IBBGives, Touch of Gold will be funding their Universi-T.E.A. program, which will provide courses related to infant child care and reproductive health. Photo by Touch of Gold’s Facebook page.
According to their Facebook page, Touch of Gold is a nonprofit organization that aims to “improve and encourage better health” for minority women and children. In a post regarding their award, they said, “We’re excited to finally launch the Touch of Gold Universi-TEA, providing childbirth, breastfeeding, and reproductive health courses!!!!”
LIIT (Ladies in IT): $9,500
Ladies in IT (aka LIIT) is dedicated to giving young, inner-city girls the opportunity to explore careers in technology. Photo by Ladies in IT’s Facebook page.
LIIT (Ladies in IT), according to their Facebook page, is a program designed for young inner-city girls to have the chance to learn more about different technology and careers that can come along with that.
Room for Roots: $7,500
I Be Black Girl donated $7,500 toward the Room for Roots organization, specifically to help sponsor the Priscilla’s Way Economic Development and Empowerment Program. The program will teach women foundational financial and entrepreneurship skills.
Wonderfully Made: $7,500
Wonderfully Made is an organization aiming to instill confidence in young Black girls with special needs. Photo by Wonderfully Made’s Facebook page.
According to their website, Wonderfully Made exists to promote self confidence and empowerment for young Black girls with special needs.
“Our grantees make a real impact in the lives of Black women, girls and femmes,” said Warren-Teamer. “These are Black-led projects that are for our community and by our community. We really see our investment into them as a step toward realizing our ultimate vision: a world where Black women, girls and femmes can access their full potential and authentically, be.”