The Black Voices Fund is YouTube’s entrepreneur financing program that is intended to supply monetary and professional assistance to Black content creators to enable them to rise rapidly. The initiative is part of YouTube’s attempt to bolster minority populations, which have continued to be significantly under-represented in many ways.
According to studies, members of the Black community frequently struggle to obtain government-allocated support, particularly in the innovative sectors. The $100 million fund, which was formed in 2020, is divided into numerous categories, including YouTube Originals starring Black creators and celebrities.
Its grant scheme was launched in 2023, with a cohort of 132 creators. Individuals admitted into the grant program’s forthcoming 2023 class will obtain a YouTube Partner Manager, development sessions with experts in the field, and “bespoke training sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout the year.”
It ought to be remembered that throughout the debut class of 2023, the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund supplied opportunities such as committed one-on-one support, startup money, coaching, and networking programs, allowing the 21 grantees to attain immense success – both on YouTube and in their careers.
From January 2023 to April 2023, the class garnered 1.4 billion views on their official artist channels. YouTube Music is also announcing a fresh collaboration with 1500 Sound Academy, a music education institution established by Grammy-winning songwriters and producers James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson.
YouTube would also finance ten full scholarships to the Academy’s Live Online 1500 Music & Industry Fundamentals program via the debut #YouTubeBlackMusicFutureInsiders Scholarship.
Major Benefits of YouTube Black Voices Grant
Some benefits of YouTube’s Black Voices Fund include:
- Attendees will obtain initial funding investments to help them advance their content.
- A YouTube partner manager will provide specialist assistance and direction to each attendee.
- All through the year, there will also be workshops, master classes, and training, which will promote networking opportunities.
- Attendees will have access to exclusive programs that promote community involvement and welfare.
Eligibility Criteria for YouTube Black Voices Grant
The Class of 2023 Black Voices Fund initiative is open to all Black creatives and hopefuls, such as artists, songwriters, producers, YouTube creators, and others. The above application, nevertheless, is only accessible to creative people in a few countries: Canada, the United States, Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
How to Apply for the 2023 YouTube Black Voices Fund
To qualify for the YouTube Black Voices Fund 2023, you need to be a YouTube Creator, Music Artist, or Songwriter/Producer.
Musicians wanting to apply for the YouTube Black Voices Fund 2023 must include their first and last name, stage name, and YouTube channel link. Contact information (email, phone number, region, and city of residence), artist label, music to be released within the next 6 months, and so forth are also needed. The YouTube Black Voices Fund 2023 application period began on June 14, 2023, and ended on July 10, 2023.
Conclusion
According to YouTube, the fund was established to encourage Black views and experiences, as the platform has continually transitioned to endorse diverse viewpoints for people of all genders and races. Applicants will obtain initial funding commitments to help them improve their products.
A YouTube partner manager will provide specialist advice and assistance to every attendee. All through the year, there will also be seminars, workshops, and training, which will promote networking opportunities. Respondents will also have access to elite programs that promote community engagement and social assistance.