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Grant Awards & Gifts

The Masala Giving Circle is a group of African American/Black women dedicated to the mission of promoting economic and personal empowerment through financial support for programs and initiatives that benefit African American/Black communities in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and De Soto counties. Founded in 2013 through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with just 7 members, it joined a growing group of Black philanthropic organizations across the globe.

​Masala gives grant awards and gifts to non-profit tax-exempt organization pursuant section 501(c)(3) that have a program(s) and/or services aligned with its mission. The Masala Giving Circle has issued grants and gifts to 34 different non-profits totaling over $185,000.  Our 2023 Membership is now more than100 members.  
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Creating positive change in African-American communities
through philanthropy!

Masala 2024 Grant Opportunity
Grant Amounts: Up to $10,000.
Awards presented May, 2024.
Application due date is December 31, 2023 at 5 PM EST.
Late entries or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants

The organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization.

 

Location

Your organization should be based in and serve those in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and/or DeSoto Counties.

 

Target Audience

Your program or service must address the needs of African Americans and/or people of African descent.

 

Previous Awardees

Are eligible to reapply for additional funds after two years if the awardee has fulfilled the terms of the previous grant.

 

A report of grant expenditures must be completed and returned to Masala Giving Circle as soon as all funds have been expended or 6 months from the start of the grant period, whichever comes first.  The grant period begins on the date the check is mailed to the grantee organization.  If the organization wishes to extend the grant period, it must secure permission to do so in writing to Masala Giving Circle at grants.masala@gmail.com.

Masala Funding Exclusions

  • Fraternities & Sororities.
    Independent 501(c)(3) qualified public charitable foundations with specific programs or services that are associated with a fraternity or sorority are, however, eligible 

  • Religious or political activity

  • Purchase of real estate

  • Fundraising events

  • Construction or maintenance

  • Conferences or meetings

  • Staff salaries

  • Scholarships and/or awards

  • Organizations that cannot designate and track Masala Grant funds to our target audience

  • Individuals

Masala Criteria for Awarding Funds

Grant Proposals must include:

  • A specific goal

  • Concrete objectives 

  • Measurable outcomes at the end of the proposal’s project period which shall be within 12 months of the grant award date

​Fund Distribution

Grants awarded above $5,000 may be distributed in two incremental payments depending on project timeline and/or Masala Giving Circle discretion.

Masala Giving Circle Grant Application Cycle is closed

If there are questions regarding any application component please contact grants.masala@gmail.com.

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