Opulent Ecosystem
Opulent Ecosystem

The New Economy Coalition: Black Solidarity Economy Fund Grant

Thank You for the Opportunity: A Message from Opulent Ecosystem

Dear Grant Review Committee of the New Economy Coalition: Black Solidarity Economy Fund,


We at Opulent Ecosystem are honored and grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Black Solidarity Economy Fund Grant. For us, this application is not just a step toward securing funding—it’s a step rooted in community, legacy, and trust.


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It is no coincidence that we are applying for this grant. One of our esteemed Elders, Elder Ned, who we helped create for free I.W. Cheever Vision Foundation passed this link to us and gave us his heartfelt blessing to proceed with the application. His wisdom and belief in our mission guided us, and we didn’t feel fully comfortable submitting until Elder Ned himself encouraged us to hit "submit." His blessing symbolizes the passing of generational wisdom and reminds us of the importance of carrying forward our community’s vision for economic empowerment.

Our Story: The Vision of Opulent Ecosystem

Opulent Ecosystem was created with a singular vision: to build economic opportunities that uplift Black communities by fostering cooperative ownership, mutual aid, and collective wealth-building. We believe in the transformative power of community-led businesses and the long-term impact they can have on shifting economic power to historically marginalized groups.


Our mission is to create spaces where Black entrepreneurs, leaders, and communities can thrive together. With the support of the Black Solidarity Economy Fund, we plan to achieve measurable, life-changing outcomes for the communities we serve. The blessing from Elder Ned only strengthens our resolve to ensure this work honors our ancestors and creates new possibilities for future generations.

Impact Metrics: The Change We Will Make Together

We understand that true change must be measurable, sustainable, and rooted in community needs. With the support of this grant, Opulent Ecosystem plans to deliver the following outcomes:

  1. 50 New Jobs Created
    By supporting Black-led cooperative businesses, we aim to create 50 new jobs that provide economic opportunities and stability to individuals in marginalized communities.

  2. 300 Community Members Directly Benefiting
    Our cooperatives and mutual aid networks will directly benefit 300 community members, providing access to goods, services, and opportunities that improve their quality of life.

  3. 100 Black-Led Businesses Supported
    Through small grants, technical assistance, and leadership development, we will help 100 Black-led businesses grow, scale, and achieve their full potential.

  4. 20% Increase in Revenue for Cooperative Businesses
    With our targeted support, including financial literacy training and business strategy development, we expect cooperative businesses receiving grants to see a 20% increase in revenue.

  5. 100 Virtual Workshops and Training Sessions
    We will host 100 virtual workshops and training sessions to strengthen leadership within Black cooperatives, focusing on cooperative governance, financial management, and community leadership.

Our Promise: A Legacy of Empowerment

With your support, Opulent Ecosystem will continue building a legacy of empowerment, guided by the wisdom of our Elders and the energy of the next generation of leaders. We are committed to creating opportunities that uplift entire communities, foster resilience, and allow Black-owned businesses to flourish in a cooperative economy.

We are humbled by this opportunity to apply and appreciate your consideration of our application. Whether we receive this grant or not, we are grateful for the connection we’ve made through this process, and we look forward to contributing to the shared vision of an inclusive and just economy.


Thank you for your time, your support, and your belief in the power of cooperative economies.


With gratitude and respect,



Opulent Ecosystem Team
P.O. Box 912
Savannah, GA 31402

Memberships for all The New Economy Coailition
$25

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We want to amplifying the voice of the New Economy Coalition: Black Solidarity Economy Fund as a funder is essential to both express gratitude and inspire future contributions. Here are ways you can showcase you all support and make it visible across platforms: 1. Promotional Material and Branding Logo on All Flyers and Marketing Materials: Ensure the funder’s logo is prominently displayed on all digital and printed materials, including event flyers, brochures, newsletters, and reports. This could also include the slogan: “Proudly funded by The New Economy Coalition.” Brand Integration on Websites: Feature the funder's logo and recognition on your website’s homepage and those of your community partners. A dedicated “Funders & Supporters” page could outline the specific impact of their contribution. Social Media Promotion: Create a series of social media posts recognizing their role in funding specific initiatives. Use hashtags and tag their accounts across platforms to spread awareness. Consider doing a “Funder Spotlight” series that highlights their role in empowering your community. 2. Public Announcements & Press Releases Press Release: Issue a formal press release when you receive the funding. Make sure to highlight The Black Solidarity Economy Fund and explain how the grant will impact your organization and the community. Event Announcements: At major community events, both in-person and virtual, give special recognition to New Economy Coalition as the key funder of your projects. Mention them in speeches, announcements, and through branded visuals. 3. Sponsorship Packages Event Sponsorship Recognition: In every community event, whether a workshop, training, or gathering, make sure The New Economy Coalition is listed as a primary sponsor. This includes recognition on banners, stages, booths, and digital backdrops. Exclusive Sponsorship Packages: Offer them top-tier sponsorship visibility across larger campaigns and initiatives. This could include adding their logo to community partner websites, educational materials, and long-term campaigns that extend beyond the funded project. 4. Photos & Visual Representation Photos with Community Members & Funders: Organize a photo opportunity with the community and Opulent Ecosystem leadership holding a “Big Check” or a plaque. Use these images across promotional materials, social media, and newsletters. Branded Video Content: Create a thank you video highlighting The New Economy Coalition’s role in the project. Include testimonials from community members directly benefiting from the fund. Share this widely on your platforms and in newsletters. 5. Website & Social Media Integration Fund Impact Page: Create a dedicated page or section on your website, highlighting the New Economy Coalition’s funding impact. This page could include progress updates, success stories, and impact metrics. Ongoing Social Media Engagement: Regularly update your followers on how the funding is being used with posts tagging New Economy Coalition, ensuring they are consistently recognized as a crucial supporter. 6. Events & Public Acknowledgement Naming Rights for Programs/Events: Consider naming one of your key programs or events after the New Economy Coalition, giving them ongoing visibility. Special Recognition at Community Gatherings: At all public-facing events, such as workshops, conferences, or town halls, recognize The New Economy Coalition with formal acknowledgments and promotional material displaying their logo and name. 7. Testimonials and Case Studies Funder Highlight in Reports and Newsletters: Dedicate space in your reports and community updates to showcasing the New Economy Coalition’s role, including testimonials from beneficiaries about how the funding has impacted their lives. Case Studies: Develop case studies that showcase how the grant has directly led to positive outcomes in your community. Share these studies in partnership with the funder to broaden reach.

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