Our partner the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) is now taking applications for its next CityStart cohort! 

Selected cities and counties will receive a $75,000 grant and significant technical support to help local families and communities become more financially stable, with a special focus on Black residents. They will create blueprints that leverage policies, programs, and funding streams.  

The CityStart initiative presents an opportunity for cities and counties who actively want to address racial wealth equity within their communities and would like structural and operational assistance to start.  

To be eligible, a city or county must either have a majority-Black population or more than 50,000 Black residents. 

Past municipalities who have participated in this initiative have developed strategies that center the needs of the residents. Most recently, Cincinnati rolled out its financial freedom blueprint which featured the launch of a children savings account program, a medical debt forgiveness partnership with local healthcare systems, and a mayoral pledge to create a guaranteed income pilot. During the creation of their blueprint, South Bend, IN, held several community convenings leading to a blueprint providing one-on-one financial counseling and linking residents to resources from the city and local partners. 

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative is proud to support CityStart – and from a personal standpoint, it’s encouraging to see leaders prioritize local agendas designed to advance racial wealth equity. 

The CFE Fund is now accepting applications until December 20, 2023. Learn more about the initiative and the application process today! 

Warmly, 
Garnesha Ezediaro