Black Girl Joy Challenge
Where Joy Becomes a Movement: Supporting Young Changemakers Across the South
Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium’s #BlackGirlJoy Challenge welcomes girls, young women, and gender-expansive youth ages 12-24 who can describe their ideas for spreading JOY with their friends, families, and communities to apply for a monetary challenge award of $550 each. Whether it’s a picnic, a poetry slam, a day of self-care, a skate party, a mural, or something we’ve never seen before—if it brings joy, it matters. Black Girl Joy Challenge winners must complete their JOY projects in allotted time and allow SBGWC the opportunity to showcase them and what brings them joy!
One standout winner will also be selected for a full documentary experience, where we’ll show up, film your event, and spotlight your brilliance.
Eligibility:
- You must be registered to attend the 2025 Black Girls Conference in Atlanta on June 6–7, 2025
- Must be a black girl, young woman or gender-expansive youth ages 12-24
- Must live in one of 13 Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or West Virginia
What You’ll Submit:
- Your joyful idea – What are you planning? What will it look like?
- How it spreads joy – Why this idea? Who does it uplift? What will it shift?
- A clear impact statement – What difference will it make?
- A simple budget – How will you use the $550 to bring this idea to life?
- Your commitment – You’ll complete your project within one month of receiving funds.
Apply
The application opens Monday, April 21, 2025 at 9am EST and closes Monday, May 12, 2025.
Information Sessions:
We are hosting an information session to provide an overview of the application and process. This session will equip you with the tools and information necessary to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Attendance at these sessions is not required.
Register in advance for these meetings:
Questions:
For question, email grants@southernblackgirls.org
