Back in June, YouTube announced a $100 million dollar fund to center and amplify Black voices and perspectives on YouTube, alongside a commitment to do better as a platform to protect Black creators, artists and users. Recently, YouTube has shared more information about this multi-year fund, which is officially named the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.

The goal of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund is to make investments in Black artists in the form of direct artist grants, so they can thrive on YouTube. Over the next three years, this global fund will be used to acquire and produce YouTube Originals programming, focused on Black experiences around the world, and to directly support Black creators and artists so that they can grow and succeed on YouTube.

This fund is potentially available to both musicians as well as standard YouTube video creators. The application process for those grants is now open, and you can read more about how to qualify and apply below:

Eligibility - This program is designed for developing artists who self-identify as Black, in the United States, Brazil, Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Ideal candidates will be interested in establishing a long-term channel strategy, and will be steadily releasing content between Q4 2020 and Q2 2021. YouTube's goal is to expand funding to more countries over the course of the next three years.

Application deadline - The application window will be open starting October 7th, 2020 and will close on October 21st, 2020 at 5pm PST.

Application process - Creators and artists can submit their information to be considered for grants here.  Information provided will be kept in accordance with the Google Privacy Policy.

We strongly encourage all eligible creators to apply for this opportunity before the deadline next week. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions regarding the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.