By the end of 2024, the Open Road Fund will have invested $9,950,000 in Black-wealth gifts, impacting 199 individuals and families across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Saying YES to 199 folks is an honor! We are deeply encouraged by the tremendous impact this resource is having on these communities and the positive transformations we’re witnessing.
Collective Care Calls
This year, Collective Care Calls were a meaningful addition to the Open Road Fund. We had the honor of working alongside three incredible Black mental health practitioners:
- Dr. Aja King
- Dr. Bravada Akinyansa
- Cedric Weatherspoon, MA, LMFT
These calls provided a powerful space for participants to process their emotions. Reflecting on ancestry, lineage, and legacy can be deeply emotional, and the calls helped many navigate these feelings. Additionally, the space was invaluable for those processing the emotions tied to receiving a letter of declination. These sessions were truly life-giving!
Overcoming Challenges
We encountered a few technical bumps along the way this year, but we’re actively working toward a smoother journey in 2025.
Note: If you’re still missing an email regarding your application, please let us know! You can reach us at ORFSupport@nexuscp.org.
Evaluation & Storytelling
- First Evaluation Report: We released our first evaluation report this year, which can be accessed here.
- Next Report: We are already preparing new data and insights for our next report, scheduled for release in Spring 2025.
- Storytelling Project: This year, we began development of the Open Road Fund storytelling project, and we can’t wait to share more updates with you soon.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building a future rich with possibility. The Open Road Fund 2025 application opens Juneteenth 2025! We remain honored to be stewards of this fund.