The United Way of Douglas County has created a new Racial Equity Community Fund to support initiatives working to advance racial equity in health, education, income, housing, food and safety.

In a press release about the new fund, the United Way wrote that Douglas County is failing to provide equitable opportunities for Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), and that disparities between races are a result of systemic racism “that is perpetuated intentionally and unintentionally through institutions, culture, and individuals.”

“In our fight to end poverty, the United Way has taken a stand to not do ‘business as usual’ if it perpetuates racial or other forms of inequities,” the release states. “We are actively walking in the opposite direction on that conveyer belt and invite you to walk or roll along with us towards justice and liberation for all people.”

Daniel Smith, spokesperson for the United Way of Douglas County, said the Racial Equity Community Fund is an opportunity for individuals and organizations working to address the issue of racial inequity to receive funding for their projects. Smith said the United Way has always held education, financial stability and health to be root causes of poverty. Now, they are adding racial inequity to that list.

Funding for the Racial Equity Community Fund will begin in January of 2021. Applicants to the fund may receive between $500 and $5,000 for projects that must take place between January 1 and June 30, 2021.

Applications are due on Nov. 6 and can be accessed online at unitedwaydgco.org/racial-equity-community-fund.