About the Fund
ACT for Alexandria is bringing donors and community members together to fight against generations of racial injustice in Alexandria. The Fund for Racial Equity was created to provide a sustainable source of funding dedicated to supporting efforts that dismantle systemic racism and advance racial equity in Alexandria. The Fund itself is community-driven, guided by the experiences and insights of the people living in Alexandria. A Community Advisory Board established The Fund’s priorities and led decision-making.
The Fund focused on:
» Activating Alexandrians to advance racial equity in Alexandria
» Driving Agency for those most impacted by systemic racism
» Educating about the history and impact of racism to better combat it
» Supporting innovative and creative work tackling current and long term needs
In July 2026, ACT shared A Journey in Hope, a new report celebrating the impact and lessons of the Fund for Racial Equity. Over the past two years, The Fund awarded more than $200,000 to 29 local organizations and community leaders advancing racial equity and addressing systemic racism. More than a grant program, The Fund demonstrated a different approach to philanthropy, with a diverse Community Advisory Board of Alexandria community members leading the grantmaking process by developing funding priorities, reviewing applications, and making grant decisions.
A Journey in Hope by The Fund for Racial Equity
A Journey in Hope documents the unique story of the Community Advisory Board’s community-led grantmaking process and offers practical lessons for foundations, nonprofits, and donors seeking to build more equitable, community-centered philanthropic practices.
Key takeaways include:
- Community members bring invaluable lived experience and local knowledge to funding decisions.
- Sharing decision-making power builds trust, transparency, and accountability.
- Flexible funding enables nonprofits to respond to changing community needs.
- Community-led philanthropy creates stronger investments and more equitable outcomes.
The inaugural Community Advisory Board (pictured above) leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inform ACT’s work and future investments. While this first chapter of The Fund’s grantmaking journey comes to a close, the Fund itself is an enduring community resource and continues to accept donations. ACT is seeking to raise $75,000 to pursue the next iteration of The Fund.
We invite everyone who believes in advancing racial equity in Alexandria to support the Fund and help ensure all members of our community can thrive and feel like they belong. To support the Fund for Racial Equity, please click here
