The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville has awarded some $71,460 in 2021 Racial Equity Fund grants.

The 11 award recipients are addressing racial equity gaps to improve quality of life for all who live in the greater Huntsville community, the foundation said in a news release.

Launched in June 2020, the Racial Equity Fund received support from seventy founding donors and thirteen sustaining donors committed to tackling systemic racism and inequity through programs and projects addressing five primary categories: the criminal justice system, education and job readiness, health and wellness, income and wealth creation, and neighborhoods and communities.

This year, the Community Foundation received 22 grant applications for projects totaling $335,100. After an extensive review of all grant applications, the release said, the Grants Committee comprised of a diverse group of community members with more than half of the members representing racial and ethnic minorities awarded the following projects grant funding:

Village of Promise: $15,000

Village of Promise provides access to affordable high-quality certified childcare for families in poverty.

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy: $10,000

The Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy provides educational opportunities for English Language Learners in the Huntsville community.

Girls Inc. of Huntsville: $9,200

Girls Inc. of Huntsville seeks to support and empower young girls through the opportunity to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

Diverse Educational Life Training Activities, Inc.: $6,460

The Diverse Educational Life Training Activities, Inc. provides summer reading programming to preschool students through challenging, fun, and engaging activities.

Thrive Alabama: $5,800

Thrive Alabama provides opportunity for minority families to explore the great outdoors in a safe and welcome space in partnership with Black Kids Adventures.

Cap & Gown Project: $5,000

A free, rigorous six-week college and ACT prep program conducted by certified teachers for 9-12th grade students.

Habitat for Humanity of Madison County: $5,000

The Habitat for Humanity of Madison County is building a community of strength, stability, and self-reliance through the construction of nineteen new homes for individuals.

Heart of the Valley YMCA: $5,000

Provides under-represented youth with the opportunity to participate in the judicial and legislative process at the annual Youth Judicial and Legislative Conferences in Montgomery.

Huntsville Community Drumline: $5,000

The Huntsville Community Drumline provides youth with year-round lessons and mentoring opportunities while providing the necessary tools to compete for college scholarships.

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama: $2,500

Prepares teenagers for their learners’ permits and drivers’ licenses through classroom and driving instruction as well as a Driver Safety course through UPS Road Code.

Kids to Love Foundation: $2,500

Bridges the gap between foster care and independence to underserved youth.

These programs offer strategic solutions to combat the harmful and deeply rooted challenges surrounding racism and inequity that have affected our community for generations. the organization said. For more information about this fund, the grant process, or to donate, visit CommunityFoundationHSV.org/Equity.