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Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium Launches Environment and Climate Justice Fund

In an unprecedented move to address climate and environmental justice issues, the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium has announced the creation of its Environment and Climate Justice Fund. This innovative grant initiative aims to empower organizations that are focused on enhancing environmental conditions and advocating for climate justice specifically for Black girls, women, and femme-identifying youth across the Southern United States.

This fund is set to provide essential financial assistance ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 to organizations operating in 13 Southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The application deadline for interested organizations is on March 10, 2026.

The launch of the Environment and Climate Justice Fund marks a significant extension of the Southern Black Girls’ existing mission. According to Chanceé Lundy, the Executive Director of the consortium, the initiative is intended to directly resource and support those grassroots organizations that are tirelessly working on the frontlines to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in their communities. Lundy, who is recognized for her qualifications as an environmental engineer, has dedicated decades to combating environmental injustices. Her experience includes engaging in international dialogues on climate equity, significantly during her invitation from the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, to discuss these pressing issues with global leaders and activists.

"For over twenty years, I've witnessed firsthand how communities of color disproportionately bear the brunt of environmental degradation and climate challenges. It's unfortunate, but Black women frequently find themselves at the forefront of advocacy for transformative justice, often with minimal resources at their disposal," Lundy mentioned. "We are honored to inaugurate this fund, which aims to support those courageous leaders who strive to foster resilience through equitable environmental policies and preserve our essential natural resources."

In conjunction with Black Climate Week 2026, a national campaign that promotes environmental justice initiatives in Black communities, the fund's launch is a strategic alignment. This national event, spearheaded by The Solutions Project and the NAACP, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and investing in organizations that uplift Black women and girls. It seeks to position them as pivotal players in climate resilience efforts, proving that these communities not only navigate climate change but actively devise solutions.

Lundy emphasizes the fund's ideology: "By celebrating joy as a form of both resilience and resistance, Southern Black Girls envisions a future where our communities possess the necessary infrastructure, resources, and influence needed to not just survive but thrive in the face of environmental challenges and climate threats," she explained. "Black Climate Week is a reminder that our communities are not merely enduring climate change; they are triumphantly addressing it. This fund symbolizes our investment into those transformative solutions."

Organizations interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to visit the official webpage at southernblackgirls.org/ecjusticefund where they'll find detailed information about eligibility, application procedures, and upcoming grant seeker workshops.

About Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium

Founded in 2017 and stationed in Selma, AL, the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium is steadfast in its mission to allocate resources effectively towards underfunded organizations led by Black women across the Southern states. The consortium, initiated by notable figures LaTosha Brown, Felecia Lucky, Alice Eason Jenkins, and Margo Miller, emphasizes participatory grantmaking, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Black girls are central to its operations. To date, the consortium has distributed over $11.4 million to more than 250 organizations led by Black women and has provided significant investments targeting the empowerment of Black girls through initiatives like the Black Girl Joy Challenge.

For those seeking to learn more or reach out for media inquiries, the contact is: Candice M. Dixon, Communications Manager, available at [email protected].