In the continued effort to address systemic racial inequities in the criminal justice system, Dane County is now accepting applications for 2023 Partners in Equity Racial Equity and Social Justice (PIE-RESJ) Grants.
Community-based organizations will have the opportunity to submit applications for the funding meant to aid in programs or social action that work to address system racial inequalities around criminal justice, as well as health, education, and employment. The PIE-RESJ Grant was piloted in 2015 by approval from the County Board of Supervisors and County Executive Joe Parisi.
“Dane County is proud of the partnerships we have forged through the Partners in Equity Grant Program to create positive change in our community,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi in a release. “We encourage organizations to reach out and apply for funding. By partnering together, we can ensure opportunity for all and help Dane County residents reach their full potential.”
Individual organizations can apply for up to $15,000 in funding while partnerships or collaborations between eligible organizations can apply for up to $50,000. Applicants can follow this link to find the materials necessary, and if organizations need a paper copy mailed to them, they can email OEIGrantSubmission@countyofdane.com or call 608-283-1391.
Greg Jones, Office of Equity and Inclusion board chair, echoed the importance of the grants in the release saying, “Over the years, the Partners In Equity Grant has demonstrated a purpose-driven approach to racial equity and social justice. It is imperative that we continue this leadership.”
PIE-RESJ Grant applications must be received by the Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion by 4 p.m. on Oct. 23. Applications can be mailed or dropped off at the 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard location in Room 356, or completed applications can be submitted to the previously mentioned email address.
The Office for Equity and Inclusion also guides many functions in terms of addressing disparities in race, gender, disability, and worker’s rights, and serves as a resource for all County departments in navigating equity, disparities, conflict resolution, staff development, and best practices.