Self Care

The Self-Care Mini-Grant has one goal: Give money to Black women who are seeking self-care.

Our Why?

We’ve provided financial support to Black women across Dane County for their rent, bills, groceries, professional development, and transportation needs since 2018. What’s remained consistent is that the women we helped often would not ask for help to provide extra care for themselves. On average it took them about one week to create a list of what they’d like for themselves if everything else such as bills and food were taken care of. Most of what they shared with us would cost less than $100. Examples included a new comforter, hair products, new underwear, body wash, fresh vs frozen fruit, and dinner out with their kids. We know $100 isn’t a lot of money, what we hope is that it’ll give Black women the opportunity to take care of some of their self-care needs. Please be sure to read over the FAQ’s below before applying.

APPLY HERE

FAQs

Q. Who is eligible for a self-care mini-grant from the Progress Center for
Black Women?
A. Black women residing in Dane County, Wisconsin

Q. Can I receive more than one grant in a single calendar year?
A. No. Funds are limited and we’d like to provide money to as many Black
women in the county as possible.

Q. How old do I have to be to apply?
A. At least 18 years old.

Q. Can I apply if I’ve previously received financial support from the Progress Center for Black Women?
A. Yes you may. However, you only receive this grant once per calendar year.

Q. What can self-care mini-grant funds be used for?
A. We believe that Black women can make the best decisions for themselves on how to spend these funds for their self-care needs. A few examples of what Black women have worked with us to receive have included: bedding, fresh fruit/vegetables, help with housekeeping, exercise equipment, and clothing.

Q. How will you decide who receives a self-care mini-grant?
A. On Wednesday morning’s we’ll do a random drawing from names submitted up until that point.

Q. How many times can I apply?
A. Just once is all it takes for a chance to have your name called. Duplicates will be removed.

Q. When does the application period close?
A. This is our first run at this kind of mini-grant so we’ll close the application mid December 2021, evaluate how we did, and come back with a refreshed self-care mini-grant in early 2022.

Q. If my name is chosen how do I receive my money?
A. We’ll contact you, so be sure that you’ve entered your email address and/or phone number correctly on the application. You’ll receive a check in the amount of $100. During our conversation by phone or email, we’ll ask you to let us know the best way to get the check to you.

Q. If my name is chosen will I have to verify my identity and the county I reside in?
A. Yes. However, we’ll work with you to ensure you can do so. We understand the many barriers that might make this more difficult for some so we will do our best to work with you.

Q. How can I make a donation to support the Self-Care Mini-Grants from the Progress Center for Black Women?
A. Thanks for asking and deciding to support the self-care needs of Black women across Dane County. Please check out donation details here.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Apply here.

“We know what’s best for us!”

– Sabrina Madison, Founder + Director of the Progress Center for Black Women

A few highlights from our self-care mini-grant submissions so far:

“I will use the funds to do my own hair. I am always the one who does everyone else’s hair and
goes extended periods of time without doing my own. I will prioritize my hair/grooming this time.”

“I would use the money towards my basic needs, groceries, and taking care of myself. I am a
full-time graduate student who lives alone, and so self-care is very crucial for me.”

“If I were to win the $100, I would use the money to get a massage to help release the tension I
hold in my body.”

“I would get some much-needed foot care And buy an essential oil diffuser and tea kettle”

“I would love to use this money in order to buy household groceries and be able to treat myself
to a float therapy session to relax and calm my anxiety.”

A few highlights on the impact of this grant for awardees:

“It will allow us to refocus and ground ourselves. When you feel good, you do good.”

“I have been needing more weights for when I work out at home. The grant will help me get
them for my self-care needs.”

“When I have money I am either spending it on bills or my children. This gift will allow me to
treat myself to a well-overdo massage which will help my stress level and overall well-being.
Thank you so much for this priceless gift of self-care.”

‘This will be such a nice gift to contribute to my self-care needs. Giving me the available funds to
getting some more hair-care products, a new bed comforter, and some books that I have been
wanting to read.”