Kitsap Racial Equity
& Empowerment Fund
We address systemic racism.
Kitsap Racial Equity and Empowerment Fund (KREEF) is an organization born out of the Unity in the Community Kitsap COVID-19 Response Fund to address the systemic racism that impacts Black and other marginalized communities in Kitsap County.
There is an ongoing need to address systemic inequities, which disproportionately impact Black and other communities of color. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to address how these inequities are amplified by COVID-19, with increased disproportionate adverse impacts on the Black community.
These grants are meant to help end systemic racism in our community by supporting culturally relevant programs*, services, and activities in Kitsap County that have leadership or boards that are reflective of, and accountable to communities of color, in particular the Black community.
At this time, we can only accept applications from 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored* projects. If you are interested in becoming a 501(c)3, fiscally sponsored or if you are unsure if you qualify for this grant please contact us at kreef@kitsapfoundation.org before applying.
These grants, up to $5,000, are for “general operating support.”* KREEF will award up to $75,000 in grants during this application period. The next application period will be in 2026.
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In an effort to make things easier for local nonprofits, KREEF is now working together with the Kitsap Community Foundation (KCF) and the Women's Giving Circle of the Kitsap Peninsula (WGCKP) to lower the barriers for funding for those serving charitable missions in our community. The KREEF grant cycle is now aligned with the KCF cycle starting Monday, August 19, 2024, and ending Monday, September 16, 2024, at 5pm. You can view the updated information here: KitsapFoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant.
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*Definitions Fiscal Sponsorship refers to a non-profit organization offering their legal and tax-exempt status to groups engaged in activities related to the sponsoring organization's mission. Culturally Relevant Programs means you are engaging in meaningful and impactful ways with the Black community and other communities of color. Total Yearly Budget is the total amount of expenses you have in one year. General Operating Support or unrestricted support, means awardees can use funds as they see fit to reach their goals. This can include salaries, overhead, technology, outreach, seasonal programs, activities, services, and more.
funding priorities
grant types & amounts
about us
KREEF is led by a Steering Committee made up of racially diverse community leaders, who fundraise, educate and offer grants to support culturally relevant programs, services, and activities. Since its inception in 2020, KREEF has been creating a “by and for” philanthropy model that focuses on
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Lessening the inequities caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis in communities of color, with an emphasis on the needs of the Black community,
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Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects whose leadership or boards that are reflective of and accountable to communities of color, in particular the Black community.
Since its inception, KREEF has awarded a total of $121,500 to 17 Kitsap County based non-profits and fiscally sponsors projects. All of which are Black-led and/or serve the Black community, as well as other communities of color. Some grantees include DocLuvTheKids, Gather Together Grow Together (G2), Georgia's House, God's Broken Home University, House of Hope, House of Refuge Outreach Ministries, Kitsap Advocating for Immigrant Rights and Equality (KAIRE), Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center, Living Life Leadership, Love Me For Me, Mt. Zion Partnering for Youth Achievement, NAACP Bremerton Branch -Unit 1134, New Day Ministry, New Life Community Development Agency (The Marvin Williams Community and Recreational Center, (MWC)), OurGems, Partnering For Youth Achievement (PYA), Surviving Change Hope360 (fiscal sponsor: House of Refuge Outreach), Up From Slavery Initiative, Urbanists Collective (fiscal sponsor: Anacortes Skate Park), Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN).
The formation of KREEF is due to our founding members, who used their voices to speak out against racism in philanthropy and make a difference every day in Kitsap County.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Harriette Bryant
Vicki Collins
Angela Flemming
Tracy S. Flood
Alexis Foster
Mary Kummer
Albie Lawrence
Airen Lydick
Martitha May
Cheryl Nunez
Dr. Lillian Robertson
Tarra Simmons
Karen Vargas
Cory Walster
CONTACT US
Have a question or would like to learn more about getting involved with KREEF?
Please email us at kreef@kitsapfoundation.org.
We can't empower BIPOC-led organizations and build power and equity in our community without our supporters. Making a contribution to the Kitsap Racial Equity and Empowerment Fund helps solve the root cause of inequities at the philanthropic level.
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You can donate by clicking the button below, or mail a check payable to Kitsap Racial Equity and Empowerment Fund to Kitsap Community Foundation, P.O. Box 3670, Silverdale, WA 98383. No one is taking an administrative fee out of these donations, so 100% of all donations go to the Fund (minus credit card fees).
donate to the fund
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