You good? For real, we're asking...

Let us know if there's anything we can do to support you here (projects you'd like featured, upcoming events, open jobs, strategic advice, anti-racism/DEI resources - we've got you covered).

"Self care is NOT selfish" is a sentiment that was shared by Nick Hallmon during our #FWDFeb21 event and something that's stuck with us and has been a great reminder for all of us here at FWD, especially this month, Mental Health Awareness Month.  And with our FocusFWD topic of the month being wellness, it feels like the perfect mantra to keep us moving and motivated.

(If you haven't had a chance you can check out our full 2021 editorial calendar! Click here or peep 👀 it below to see what's on deck for each month to come).

In honor of mental health month, take a minute and remember...

FWD Updates :

• EVENT: Confessions of a Bi-Racial Brand: CultureFWD Community Event 6/24 (pssst, it's virtual and tickets are...FREE, grab your spot below)
• Latest FWD Articles: Check the latest from the #FWDFamily & our contributors
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Report: Definitions, examples, best practices to meaningfully incorporate DEIB, the business case for diversity, & ideas for looking ahead, click below to access & learn more
• FWD Podcast 🎙 (it's about damn time right?) launching this fall!
• Issue #2 of the FWD Magazine drops 7/2/21, if you haven't had a chance to scoop your subscription, what are ya waiting for? (don't know what to expect? check out Issue #1 here) 
• Like what we're up to? We're looking for a few mission driven volunteers to support the movement! Interested? Apply here.

What's in this email: 

• Editorial Calendar 
• CultureFWD Info 
• Latest FWD Articles 
• DEIB Report Download
• Job Opportunities: Deskpass is Hiring
• Pitch Competition: Techrise -- Win $10k-$50k
• Grant Application: Uncharted -- $25k
• Grant Application: Woods Fund Chicago -- up to $50k

CultureFWD Agenda:

• Opening Remarks
• Fireside Chat: Confession of a Bi-Racial Brand featuring Prequal Co-Founders Natashee Scott & Andrea Mac
• Community Conversation
• Live @ FWD Surprise Guest

*The event is part of our 'Community Events' series and is FREE for everyone! BUT, if you feel like you can spare a few, and want to support us, we are always open to donations to help financially empower the continued advancement of our mission of professional inclusion.

ALL ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO JOIN 

& ALL DONATIONS GO TO SUPPORT FWD PROGRAMMING.

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

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Deskpass is hiring!

Deskpass is a real estate technology company that connects people with workspace and community in an increasingly mobile world. We provide affordable access to a trusted network of flexible workspaces in one pay-as-you-go-based platform. 

At Deskpass we believe where you work impacts how you work. The right space has the power to help people work more efficiently, effectively, happily.

We’re on a mission to power productivity by connecting your employees to work spaces tailored to their needs.

Open Positions:

• Account Executive
• Full Stack Engineer
• Workspace Partnerships Associate

Check out more details and apply here.

PITCH COMPETITION

TechRise Pitch Competition Application

Beginning in April, Black and Latinx founders will be invited to pitch in the TechRise Pitch Competitions. Prizes will range each week from $10K-$50K. Each week Idea and Seed Stage founders will have 3 minutes to pitch their visions to a panel of judges via a live streamed competition. Each founder will be matched with an existing Seed and Series A founder in our Chicago Tech Ecosystem to help you build connections and receive mentorship from someone who has been in your shoes.

Apply here.

GRANT (National)

Uncharted

The economic divide in the US is sharp and rising. In the decade since the Great Recession, middle-and-lower classes saw their collective wealth shrink by over 20%, disproportionately affecting women, people of color, and young people. Meanwhile, the country’s most affluent families grew their median net worth by over 13%, making America the most financially unequal nation in the Western world.

At Uncharted, we’re elevating solutions that create transformational opportunities for people to increase wealth in the near term while building towards a long-term vision to address the root causes themselves. That’s why we’re launching a six-month initiative this spring to support eight very early-stage social entrepreneurs, movement builders, and nonprofit innovators who are tackling wealth inequality in the U.S.

From universal basic income pilots to rent-to-own home programs, we’re seeking radical ideas with proof of concept and the potential to create a profound impact. Selected participants will receive $25k in unrestricted funding, access to subject-matter experts, mental health resources, introductions to potential funders in our network, and other personalized support.  Accepting applications through June 28th, 2021.

Apply & Learn More Here

GRANT (Chicago)

Woods Fund Chicago 

The Woods Fund is a bold grant maker that draws on the power of communities to fight the brutality of poverty and structural racism.

Apply now for the Woods Fund Chicago Fall 2021 grantmaking cycle. Selected participants will receive up to $50k. Applications are being accepted until Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Apply & Learn More Here

Have opportunities to share? Let us know here!