If you never felt a grave sense of urgency in 2016, you may have been hiding under a rock or you might just be a part of the 1 percent. 2016 was arguably the most notable wig snatch in U.S. history, leaving us bald, shocked, hopeless, but ready to push through with an unprecedented comeback in 2017.

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A couple of days ago, I came across an article which detailed the possession of more than $7.8 million in tax-deductible donations over the last 10 years by the National Policy Institute, New Century Foundation, Charles Martel Foundation and VDare Institute. Basically, some of this nation’s most prominent and problematic white nationalist groups. My gut reaction was sickness, but my other immediate thought was, “If the IRS can recognize them, then the IRS can recognize my black ass." That is to say, there are fundamental resources we have access to that will transform the outcomes and secure the longevity of our blackness. I can fill out the same 501(c)(3) application, establish means and a platform, and raise millions of dollars for whatever purpose I would like for the advancement of black people.

Who’s stopping me? Me.

I don’t know about ya’ll, but I’m tired of not having access to sh*t. I’m tired of charter schools being overflowed and under-resourced. I’m tired of black deaths becoming a spectacle. I’m tired of being the best I can possibly be and still getting the door slammed in my face.

You know I can go on and on.

We can’t afford ignorance or helplessness anymore. The unpredictability of our future will not be that unpredictable if we take and maintain the reigns of our individual selves and communities. It’s time that my people and I recognize our maximum potential and ability to thrive, and not just survive. We can continue to buy into the capitalist system that undermines our existence and mobility granting us lopsided access to the “American Dream,” or we can buy into ourselves, and our futures.

Learning how to successfully write grant proposals is a worthwhile investment. As most historically disadvantaged groups do not have the privilege of generational wealth, applying for funding is the next best bet. Funding is available at federal, state, local and organizational levels, plus there is a lot of it! In order to secure financial resources, one must master the art of grant writing. Most grants are a certain monetary amount over an allotted period of time, so the money does not last forever, which means you’ll be writing proposals over and over (and over). Grant writing can seem like a daunting task, but it is a skill with an endless return value. As you become better at writing proposals, you'll increase your rewards.

Don’t know where to start?

Here are 10 ways to bring a possible pathway to freedom:

1. Believe that you can make a difference.

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The first step to this process is believing that regardless of how much you hate writing or think you are not good at it, that with time, practice and confidence you can be a phenomenal grant writer.

2. Visit your local community foundation for free materials, resources and training.

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In-person visits are better for networking and live interactions, but most community foundations have navigable websites, as well. Come ready with questions.

3. Educate yourself.

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Buy "The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need." The book goes for $17.55 on Amazon; $17.55 is like four Chick-fil-A sandwiches or three bags of organic trail mix (for my vegan folk), so just make the sacrifice. You’ll refer to this book often as you are learning and perfecting the craft.

4. Invest in a grant writing course.

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Take a break from trying to convince people that our president-elect is a sexist, racist, xenophobic, irrational lunatic and enroll in a grant writing class at a local college or university.

5. Try free workshops.

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Click here to find a free workshop in your area.

6. Practice. Practice. Practice.

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7. Be intentional.

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Prioritize and make a plan. What could the black community best benefit from in 2017 and beyond? What do we need to thrive? Write it all down and confide in one or two people to help bring your organization to life. Seriously two at max. People will run off into the sunset with your idea and you will be the one looking like Booboo the Fool.

8. Do your research on how to obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

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What does it take? What are the requirements? What are the application materials and where do I access them? Checking out the IRS website and 501c3.org are great starts.

9. Put me in the game, coach!

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Your newly, established foundation needs money to fund its purpose. Donations are great and necessary, but let’s put those grant writing skills to use!

10. Teach someone else.

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Don’t be stingy, pass your skills along to the next big thinker. Fannie Lou said it best, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” If we can debrief for an hour about Moore Manor and Chateau Shereé, then we can spend an hour learning the ins and outs of the perfect grant proposal.

If we were in control of our own money, we would not have to worry about the (Wo)Man taking it away from us. Instead of waiting for the equitable and inclusionary fairytale to manifest, we must build and fund institutions that are made in our image. So as you continue writing your New Year goals, add grant writing to the list.

Tap into your black philanthropic potential and let’s snatch the wig off of 2017 together!

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