NONPROFIT AWARDEES FROM THIRD FUNDING CYCLE

Through the Open for Business (OFB) program, we support historically underserved, minority-led small businesses and nonprofits to build resilience and generational wealth through asset ownership.

The objective of the Microgrant for Technology or Equipment is to provide funding support to nonprofit organizations and small businesses to purchase critical hardware, software, and machinery assets to grow their business. Below are the microgrant awardees from nonprofit organizations we recognize from the second round of funding. 

This is our third and final funding cycle. We encourage applicants who were not chosen to look out for other funding opportunities on our website and through our newsletter. 

Arts & Culture

Imago Por Las Artes 

The mission of Imago Por Las Artes is to make art accessible and inclusive by providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with various forms of artistic expression with a focus on the values and traditions of Hispanic culture. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire a portable sound system to ensure professional sound quality, eliminate rental expenses, and enhance their ability to live stream performances. 

Living Arts Trust, Inc 

The mission of O CINEMA is to empower, nurture, and support the development of new arts and cultural work, and to present those works to the public with an emphasis on film and new media. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire ADA accessible technology, cleaning and disenfection supplies, and storage equipment. 

M Ensemble Company, Inc. 

The mission of M Ensemble Company, Inc. is to preserve and promote African American culture through the performing arts. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire essential upgraded computer hardware, dynamic software, and equipment to improve their audience engagement and experience, increase their fundraising capabilities, and expand organizational reach within the community. 

The Cove/Rincón Corp. 

The mission of The Cove/Rincón is to establish a multigenerational corner for culture with a network of support for artists from diverse communities, both locally and internationally, and to inspire people of all ages to express themselves through poetry, literature, and art through monthly events and year-round programs. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire tech equipment and software, and for related technical fees and services that are vital to the independence and success of their administrative, publishing, programming, and outreach activities. 

The Opera Atelier, Inc. 

The mission of The Opera Atelier is to advance the art of opera through performance, education, and community engagement. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire advanced lighting and sound equipment to enhance the quality and impact of their productions, especially in a non-traditional venues, to ensure a superior experience for their audiences and to preserve the art of opera. 

Civic Engagement, Advocacy, & Equity

Lou Foundation Inc. 

The mission of the Lou Foundation is to empower grieving mothers and families to live life abundantly through a holistic approach that includes education, counseling, and access to resources. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technology hardware like laptops, tablets, computers, printers, cameras, and software solutions which will enhance operations, programs, and initiatives at their brick-and-mortar location that supports bereaved moms, families, and the homeless community. 

MIRA USA Inc. 

The mission of MIRA USA® is to promote the social, communal, and civic integration of immigrants in the United States. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire essential computer programs and technology software, including subscriptions and online services, to enhance their operational efficiency and productivity. 

P.S. 305, INC. 

The mission of P.S. 305 is to elevate and empower historically marginalized communities and working-class families to have a voice in the public education system by fostering leadership development and civic engagement to improve educational outcomes for all children in Miami-Dade County. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire essential technology and equipment to enhance their advocacy and leadership development programs, and thereby amplify the voices of marginalized communities in the public education system of Miami-Dade County. 

Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing, Inc. (SMASH) 

The mission of Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing (SMASH) is to provide safe, healthy, sustainable and affordable housing to the most underserved populations in Miami-Dade County through Community Land Trusts and Housing and Healing Justice Corps Cooperatives. OFB microgrant funding will be used to advance their potential to provide affordable housing to Miami-Dade County and intensify the number of community advocates fighting for housing justice in Miami. 

Economic & Community Development

Center for Black Innovation, Inc. 

The mission of The Center for Black Innovation is to drive change by providing exposure to innovation pathways, scaling black innovation ecosystems, and diversifying existing innovation ecosystems with data-driven policies and research, while implementing strategic long-term actions to solve the greatest funding challenges that are blocking Black prosperity. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire a Smart Board, a Smart Camera, microphones, and a portable stand to enhance educational and collaborative experiences. 

Grants 4 U, Inc. 

The mission of Grants 4 U is to focus on small businesses owned by underserved populations, and to provide additional knowledge through education, networking, and business assistance services to help accelerate their businesses. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire new and innovative technological equipment to ensure that they can support and empower entrepreneurs regardless of their access to resources or location. 

Know to Grow, Inc. 

The mission of Know to Grow is to cultivate growth and foster community well-being by sowing seeds of knowledge, opening doors, documenting cultural legacies, and nurturing sustainable development in underserved communities. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire upgraded staff equipment, facilitate online workshops, launch a podcast, update program equipment, and increase data storage capacity by acquiring essential equipment and software, including laptops, tablets, podcast equipment, a smartboard, professional cameras, storage, and accessories. 

Miami EdTech 

The mission of Miami EdTech is to address the biggest challenges in education through innovation and technology by providing teachers with effective professional development, developing tech-enabled learning environments, and supporting edtech innovation through pilots, consulting, and mentorship. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire laptops, headsets, and a charging cart to support students, teachers, pre-apprentices, and community members in teaching, learning, and job applications at their office. 

Education & Youth

Circle of Love Empowerment for Women and Girls International, Inc. 

The mission of Circle of Love Empowerment for Women and Girls International is to instill formidable character traits into each program participant, ages 13 to 18, as they embody a sisterhood and a lifelong commitment to leadership and service. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire laptop computers, desktop computers, television monitors, a camera, a printer, a phone, and software systems to elevate their multimedia instructional methods to benefit Miami-Dade County’s underserved, multicultural high school girls. 

Cristina’s Academy Inc. 

The mission of Cristina’s Academy is to empower the next generation of heroes by implementing academic literacy, leadership training, and emotional guidance to children and youth to help them overcome challenges and be better equipped to positively contribute to society. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire walkie-talkies for event safety, laptops with storage solutions to minimize wear and tear, headphones with microphones for tutoring and music production, a magnetic flip chart for interactive learning, IXL educational licenses for 100 students, and a QuickBooks Pro license to streamline theiraccounting processes. 

Dibia DREAM 

The mission of Dibia Dream is to spark social change through STEM and recreational education for underserved youth. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technological equipment that will help to bridge the digital divide, equip underserved youth with STEM tools, and empower families through technology education. 

FLOTA INC 

The mission of FLOTA is to foster academic and moral development with the aim of molding responsible and ethical individuals who are capable of positively impacting their communities and the broader world. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire laptops, tablets, and educational software like IXL and MyOn to provide innovative technology and a computer lab to underprivileged youth in Florida City to close the academic and social achievement gap. 

GEM CULTURE, INC 

The mission of Gem Culture is to serve teenage girls, ages 13-18, by providing them with safe spaces and mentorship for the goal of enhancing their quality of life, deepening their sense and knowledge of self, and ensuring their successful transition into adulthood and beyond. OFB microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets and equipment for students and staff laptops, tablets, a printer, external hard drives, headphones, and screen printing machine with ink. 

Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church Inc. 

The mission of Greater Love Primary Learning Center is to provide a nurturing and Christ-centered learning environment for children, ages 6 weeks to 13 years old, with a full-service childcare center that is committed to serving diverse families and supporting low-income families within the vibrant Miami-Dade County Community. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire Chromebooks, headphones, classroom management software, and a whiteboard subscription to enhance their educational offerings for 100 students, providing them with modern tools for an interactive learning experience. 

Growing Angels Inc. 

The mission of Growing Angels is to be the village that steps in when parents need help, and to nurture and help develop the wings for our growing angels to fly to the highest of their ability. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire updated technological equipment to advance the growing minds of children and the community. 

Jackson Academy 

The mission of Jackson Academy is to promote lifelong learning and morally-positive creative expression through technology-oriented programs and youth collaboration. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire a portable tech education lab which includes: laptops, ipads, an instructional projector/document camera, an equipment storage cabinet, portable outdoor furniture, a tent, portable outdoor wifi and power sources, a hand truck, and an enclosed travel trailer to tow the lab from venue to venue. 

Lashawntay T. Howard Youth Offender Center (LTHYOC) 

The mission of Lashawtay T. Howard Youth Offender Center (LTHYOC) is to inspire, educate, and empower adolescents in Miami-Dade County. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technology hardware to broaden the depth of their programming by offering more services and providing opportunities for youth to grow. 

Paige and Friends Helping Hands 

The mission of Paige and Friends Helping Hands is to enhance the lives of children and families by offering comprehensive resources and support, including educational services, including summer camps, mentoring, tutoring, and access to essential needs such as food assistance. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire robotics kits, coding software, drones, and essential PC and laptop equipment to enhance STEM education and hands-on learning experience. 

The Dennis Project, Inc. 

The mission of The Dennis Project is to enrich, empower, and engage underserved youth in science, technology, engineering, math, college and career readiness, and to provide supportive family engagement programs. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire up-to-date hardware, software, and equipment to expand operations and provide more services through their Super Science Explorers and parent engagement community-based programs to increase impactful, sustainable project-based learning programs in marginalized communities. 

The Mavuno Project 

The mission of The Mavuno Project is to prevent Human Trafficking with the power of education and a message of hope. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire software and hardware to further build their capacity to deliver best in class prevention training to children and youth in Miami-Dade County. 

The Optimist Foundation of Greater Goulds, FL Inc 

The mission of The Optimist Foundation of Greater Goulds, Florida Incorporated is to provide affordable educational, cultural, and recreational programs to economically disadvantaged families, youth, and children in Goulds and the surrounding areas. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire tablets, laptops, hotspots, and printers to support their Administrative Office and Homework Assistance Programs. 

Trinity Christian Academy of North Dade 

The mission of the Trinity Academy is to cultivate the potential of every student to foster leadership, character, and civic responsibility, and to transform lives by providing an exceptional, inclusive educational environment through tailored support and innovative teaching. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire a digital interactive wall, floor equipment, educational software, and podcasting equipment along with software that will allow trained instructors and technicians to work with more special needs youth with the creation of visual podcast programming to highlight peer mentorship and youth leadership opportunities. 

TRU Prep Academy 

The mission of TRU Prep Academy is to stimulate, educate and motivate the minds of students in today’s ever changing society. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire essential technology hardware such as laptops, tablets, printers and cameras to enhance their educational capabilities. 

Uplift Literacy 

The mission of Uplift Literacy is to maximize lifelong success for children by improving their reading proficiency at school, at home, and in their communities. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technology and equipment to increase their efficiency and expand their donor and volunteer base so they can continue to increase reading proficiency, broaden their impact, and serve more children and families. 

Women Voice Network 

The mission of Women Voice Network is to provide comprehensive support to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence by focusing on their economic well-being through education, improved self-confidence, entrepreneurship support, and policy advocacy. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire computers, laptops, tablets, and printer to improve their technological equipment and their efficiency. 

Worshiper’s House Of Prayer Academy 

The mission of Worshiper’s House of Prayer Academy is to empower students to become lifelong learners who impact their world for Christ through self-mastery, service and purpose. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire Smart Interactive Boards, laptops, and iPads for the new students to enhance the didactic learning experience of the scholars as Worshiper’s House of Prayer Academy launches their first high school level class. 

Environment & Urban Resilience

Love The Everglades Movement, Inc 

The mission of Love The Everglades Movement, Inc. is to take a full spectrum approach in addressing the environmental, structural, cultural, and spiritual issues plaguing the Florida Everglades by inspiring adults and children while raising awareness to community leaders through organizing positive civic engagement from local to global levels. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire tools and equipment that will enable the organization to expand their program that involves gardening to include more opportunities for members of the community to engage in Citizen Science. 

The Smile Trust 

The mission of the Freedom Lab is to provide a comfortable and productive environment for individuals and non-profits to thrive with range of amenities, such as private offices, and access to a community of like-minded professionals to make networking and collaboration opportunities readily available. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire improved security infrastructure including hardware, a security plan, staff trainings, and establishing additional security protocols. 

Faith-Based Programs & Services

Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church 

The mission of Haitian Emmanuel Baptist Church is a commitment to “Send equipped and mature disciples of Jesus to change our world,” which is known in French as  “à Envoyer des disciples équipés et matures de Jésus-Christ pour le changement du monde.” OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire updated sound equipment which includes speakers, microphones, headphones, and a laptop, to enhance their worship services, community outreach, and educational programs. 

Health & Wellness

Health Education Prevention and Promotion Inc 

The mission of Health Education Prevention and Promotion is to empower South Florida’s minority families and communities to develop healthy habits for greater health through awareness, education, screening, guidance, and counseling OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technological equipment and software that will increase the number of clients served, improve staff efficiency, improve data security of the organization, and increase donor funding. 

Pisgah Pantry Outreach, Inc. 

The mission of Pisgah Pantry Outreach is to use a heart of service to feed thecommunity physically and socially, encouraging and supporting self-sufficiency through education and collaboration with community partners. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technology upgrades, such as Sensoscientific temperature monitoring systems, computers, tablets, accounting software, and Constant Contact software for various administrative tasks, to enhance remote communication, and improve marketing capabilities. 

Sprout Up, Inc 

The mission of Sprout Up as a three-tiered community-driven organization is to address food insecurity, educate the community about healthy food, and address job scarcity. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire an aeroponic community farm and equipment to start a community farm in Homestead. 

The Alliance for LGBTQ Youth 

The mission of The Alliance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth is to serve, nurture, and empower LGBTQ youth, their families, and their communities by providing mental health and care coordination services while advocating for the equal rights and equitable treatment of young people in affirmation of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technology software that is needed to support their clinical, programmatic, marketing, and operational needs. 

Yaya Por Vida 

The mission of Yaya Por Vida is to transform the lives that have been affected by addiction through peer-led art sessions that offer a safe and supportive space for individuals battling this challenge. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire laptops, tablets, cellphones, data collection software, furniture, power tools, ladders, and supplies to equip their first Gilead-funded mobile drop-in center vehicle which will act as an access point for mental health services, allowing them to expand their reach to those in need. 

Social & Community Support Services

Buddy System MIA 

The mission of the Buddy System is to fight food insecurity in Miami-Dade by creating unique and innovative ways to engage the community and empower neighbors to support neighbors, which begins with access to free and healthy food. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire machinery and equipment assets for their food access programming, including a refrigerator, freezer, and counters, in addition to software to manage clients, volunteer management software, communication software, and Quickbooks. 

City Reach Ministries 

The mission of CityReach is to assist underpriviledged and low income families in South Dade with free food, clothing, educational workshops, and referals to other agencies to help them become self-suficient and contributing members of society. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire a new laptop with Quickbooks and Propresenter software to sustain financial integrity, and allow for the dissemination of information through looping announcements and a new website to allow clients and funders to access their services. 

Empowerment Zone Reentry Initiative (EZRI) 

The mission of EZRI is to reduce recidivism among justice-impacted individuals, thereby creating safer communities and stronger families through comprehensive counseling and intensive case management services to those previously incarcerated. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire equipment, software, and programs that allow them to manage their growth, and maintain accurate and thorough records. 

Florida Immigration Law and Justice Center, Inc. (Formerly, Florida Justice For Our Neighbors) 

The mission of the Florida Immigration Law and Justice Center is to welcome immigrants by providing free or low-cost, high quality immigration legal services, and to actively advocate for immigrants’ rights on local and national levels. OFB microgrant funding will be used to acquire technological upgrades that are necessary to ensuring safe and confidential immigration legal services remotely.