Confused about the Open Road Fund? We got you! Read answers to some common misconceptions below, and check out our FAQ page for everything you need to know before applying!
Myth #1: The Open Road Fund uses a lottery system to select awardees.
False. A lottery is a system that has been exploitive and harmful to the Black community for decades. A lottery requires you to pay money into it and sometimes, the more money you spend, the more your chance of winning increases.
The Open Road Fund uses a random selection tool, which is a computerized tool that selects applicants. There is no money needed to “buy in” or “increase your chances.” We use this tool to reduce harm and eliminate the competitive nature from the application. It is also used to reduce bias during the review process.
Myth #2: The Open Road Fund is a business grant.
False. The Open Road Fund is a community resource that awards gifts to Black folks (who meet eligibility) to build wealth. Some examples of how the gift can be used: eliminating debt to allow you to purchase a home, or paying for a medical procedure so that you are healthy and well. The gift goes directly to the individual, not to a business or another organization. See our wealth-building categories here.
Myth #3: If I apply and am not chosen, it is a sign of a “weak” application.
Absolutely not—we value each person’s story, journey, and life experiences. Not being chosen is not a reflection of worth. If you are not selected, we encourage you to continue to apply in the following years. We also acknowledge the resilience it takes to continue to apply each year, so we created a space for applicants to process their thoughts, feelings, and emotions of not being selected. These sessions are referred to as our Community Care Calls.
Our next Care Call is Thursday, Aug. 21, 6-8 pm CT. Stay tuned for registration details!
Myth #4: I must submit documentation to prove my ancestry.
False. Please do NOT submit or send us your personal documentation. You also do not need to take a genealogy test as a way to prove ancestry. Instead, tell us a story about what you know. We also encourage you to have conversations with your family members. Part of our experience as descendants of formerly enslaved African people is that we may not know. For many of us, due to the deliberate erasure of familial connection and origin, we cannot identify a specific enslaved ancestor.
Myth #5: I can use the gift to start a nonprofit.
No. The gifts from the Open Road Fund cannot be used to start or fund a nonprofit or any charitable entity. A nonprofit has no owners or shareholders; the goal is for the public good, not to make a profit—which does not allow the individual to build wealth. We prioritize funding projects that directly contribute to building wealth and impacting the lives of Black folks.
