The United Way of Douglas County has approved $40,000 in racial equity grants for 10 local recipients, the organization announced recently.

Applications were evaluated based on the goal of advancing racial equity in health, education, income, housing, food and safety.

Grant funds were awarded to the following projects, according to a United Way news release:

• Ascending Stars Consulting: This project will help build an archive of digital stories to help educate the community on the history and contemporary experiences of its Native American members.

• BIPOC Yoga for Healing Retreat: The weekend retreat provides a safe space for healing, community and inquiry.

• Clare’s Community Closet: This project provides free clothing and supplies, including school shoes and cellphones.

• CommUNITY Steppers: This group brings local teens together to build community through step dance.

• ECKAN: To eliminate some of the stress and financial burdens associated with court cases, ECKAN offers vouchers to cover some costs and works directly with community partners to ensure a smooth process.

• Haus of McCoy: The Haus of McCoy Community Night aims to reduce economic and food insecurity for queer and trans youth who are also people of color while offering a safe space. The project includes weekly community meals and a clothing closet.

• Herman’s Place: This project feeds hungry, homeless, elderly and single-parent households.

• Lawrence Juneteenth Organization: A Juneteenth event is scheduled for June 18. The event will be a multicultural celebration with an emphasis on education, community and family. It will include poetry readings, music, numerous activities and a concert by a nationally known performer.

• Kindness Is The Key: This project will increase the group’s capacity to serve the community through numerous signature projects, such as Dress For Success, READ Lawrence, BIPOC Book Drive, 5K Fundraiser Run, San-Dee Claus services and more.

• Sisters With A Purpose: This project advocates for people affected by institutional racism and systemic inequalities. It will provide scholarship funds or other support to facilitate the reentry process after incarceration.

The United Way did not provide specific amounts that were awarded to each project, but five of the projects were fully funded at $5,000, and five were partially funded at $3,000, according to Ali Dover, director of marketing.