The 37208 Fund continues to sprinkle North Nashville artists, teachers and activists with cash

A micro-grant program has doled out another round of funding in North Nashville. The 37208 Fund launched in October, with the stated aim of bringing “reparations and justice” to the historic heart of the city’s Black community.

Anyone living or working in 37208 zip code can apply. The latest round funds a photo project celebrating the community’s legacy by Carlos Partee of Cashville Etc.

“I can’t wait to do this project. I think it’s going to blend the lines between transplants and natives,” he says.

In the first round, the fund gave out $28,000 to four projects. A total of five additional projects have received money in this round:

• $8,000 — Faces of North Nashville — photo project
• $6,550.98 — Divine Diamond Dolls — uniforms and an upcoming dance competition
• $8,000 — Evolving Excellence Youth & Community Services — free summer camp, back to school and Christmas giveaways
• $2,500 — No Greater Love — coat and toy drives helping those who live on the streets near D.B. Todd & Buchanan
• $10,000 — Nashville Freedom Schools — summer program that teaches the importance of democracy and Black history

Diamond-Jade French is building positive self-image through her dance company, Divine Diamond Dolls. pic.twitter.com/11ZVGhMjZl

— M. Simone Boyd (@MSimoneBoyd) March 10, 2022

The Healing Trust and the Frist Foundation have given the initial funding and have now distributed more than $60,000. The first round helped a local yoga studio, an artist residency, a school transportation company and a program to help feed kids.

The private grant program grew out of a Metro Council report that looked at challenges facing the neighborhood. Organizers say their hope is to empower community leaders already doing good, rather than having them stitch together programs on “prayers, hope and grit.”