Hi -

All kidding aside...

It's hardest to remember to be grateful when we're in the midst of tough times. Yet, gratitude is very thing that bridges us to the other side of our struggles. (Click here to tweet this)

I'm grateful for all of you. For the work you are doing, for the examples you are setting, for the bridges you are building, for the learning and un-learning you are engaging in, and for all the fun we've had over the years with the #FWDFamily

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!.

With Gratitude,

(Click here to tweet this)

"For what is success other than a state of mind? Which two among a thousand wise [hu]men, will define success in the same words; yet failure is always described but one way. Failure is a [hu]man's inability to reach [their] goals in life, whatever they may be." 

- Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World

(Click here to tweet this)

Jahmal Cole, Founder & CEO, My Block My Hood My City

A true champion of social justice, Jahmal Cole’s mission is to build a more interconnected Chicago on the pillars of service and education.

As the founder of the city’s fastest growing social impact organization, My Block My Hood My City, Jahmal is the creator of an exposure-based education program for teens and a network of volunteer initiatives that serve Chicago communities year-round. 

As a past FWD Awardee honoree, Jahmal is a  constant source of inspiration and an example of  truly walking the walk! Through organizing grocery delivery for seniors, building educational programs for youth, or organizing communities to ensure all of Chicago is connected and cared for.

Jahmal leads by example and inspires, well...everyone (us for damn sure!) with his 15 word mantra:

“What’s Something Simple I Can Do, That Will Have A Positive Impact On My Block?”

...which is also the title of his new book! 

Check out more about Jahmal, My Block My Hood My City and how to get involved here, and get your copy of Jahmal's book here (the delivery time is like 2 minutes! I swear I ordered mine and blinked and it was on my doorstop - and bonus - there are pictures!). 

Have big news to share? Want to be included in a future feature? Let us know here!

BLACK FOUNDER ACCELERATOR

Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual Dedicates $20 Million to Advance Black Entrepreneurs through Venture Capital & a New Startup Accelerator

The Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator, Powered by gener8tor invests in high-growth startups founded by Black entrepreneurs.

Black founders receive less than one percent of venture capital funding annually and Northwestern Mutual and gener8tor are committed to investing in and supporting Black entrepreneurs to help close this funding gap and advance their companies and our communities.

Application deadline January 18th 2021, apply here. 

$10,000 Monthly Grant for Women

WomensNet Voices

WomensNet founded the Amber Grant Foundation in 1998. The Foundation was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.

Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, giving away at least $10,000 every month in Amber Grant money. We’ve also expanded our grant-giving to include a year-end grant of $25,000.

Apply here.

Have opportunities to share? Let us know here!