Call for applications: #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund

Creators from other countries, such as Brazil, Australia, Canada the US and UK, are also eligible to apply. This is year, the fund has been expanded to include songwriters and producers.

The fund aims to enable black artists to commercialise their work. “If you identify as a black creator, artist, or songwriter/producer, looking to further build your voice on YouTube and make an impact, we’d love for you to apply,” YouTube says.

The company says that in the first year of the grant it featured about 133 grantees hailing from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Sho Madjozi, Sauti Sol and Fireboy DML as well other participants from Brazil, Australia, the US and UK. The group included musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, teachers, parents and photographers, among others.

Who can apply?

Black creators who are members of the YouTube Partner Programme (creators only), and who are located in any of the eligible markets.

How to apply

Interested participants can apply via the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund official website.

Applications are ongoing and successful applicants will be notified no later than October via the email address provided.

Grant benefits

The grantees will receive the following benefits:

• Dedicated support from a YouTube Partner Programme manager.
• Seed funding invested into the development of the content.
• Workshops and masterclasses throughout the year focused on cultivating new content ideas, video production skills, well-being, and more.
• Access to exclusive social and community programmes.