Grants & Technical Assistance
HBCU Brilliance Initiative
As a reflection of the Reinvestment Fund mission, the vision for the HBCU Brilliance Initiative (hereafter referred to as the “Brilliance Initiative”) is to establish a groundbreaking platform that will play a pivotal role in supporting HBCUs across the nation. We envision a future where all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are community anchors and flourishing centers of academic excellence, innovation, and cultural pride. We are committed to a reality for HBCUs where financial barriers no longer hinder institutional growth and impact.
Since 2018, Reinvestment Fund has loaned nearly $35 million to HBCUs to support the financial health of these institutions and fund capital projects.
The Brilliance Initiative is structured to resource HBCUs with knowledge, loan capital and credit enhancement, while building the capacity of HBCUs to attract and retain permanent assets that promote sustainable institutional prosperity. The Brilliance Initiative also aims to help HBCUs build their networks, policy advocacy and research to enhance the relationship between HBCUs and the communities in which they reside.
The Brilliance Initiative is deeply rooted in the belief that HBCUs are invaluable institutions that have played a critical role in shaping the academic, cultural, and social fabric of our society.
By focusing on providing targeted financial support, we aim to elevate HBCUs to new heights, enabling them to continue their legacy of producing exceptional leaders, scholars, and changemakers who positively impact their communities and the world.
Activities and Strategies
Financial Support
HBCU Brilliance Initiative looks to execute on our vision by providing debt capital solutions as well as technical assistance.
We have identified the following as or primary focus areas
for our lending capital:
- Infrastructure improvements
- Balance sheet restructuring
- New real estate development
- Increased access to capital
Learning and Training
The Brilliance Initiative shall facilitate a broad array of learning and training for various levels of HBCU constituency across the country. The goal is to provide turn-key and accessible opportunities for institutions to acquire knowledge and greater understanding of practical application to implement advanced best practices and execute complex new strategies.
Capacity Building
The Brilliance Initiative shall offer technical assistance and grant opportunities to strengthen the administrative, financial, and institutional capacity of HBCUs.
Advocacy and Research
The Brilliance Initiative shall engage in policy advocacy, research initiatives, and community outreach to promote the interests of HBCUs and foster meaningful connections between HBCUs and their communities.
Through our strategic and sustainable approach, we envision
1. Empowering Educational Excellence: We commit to fostering academic excellence by providing accessible, flexible, and competitive capital solutions to HBCUs.
2. Bridging Futures: By providing essential capital, the Brilliance Initiative will act as a bridge to connect HBCUs with sustainable financial resources.
3. Envisioning a Thriving Tomorrow: The Brilliance Initiative aims to create a positive and sustainable future for HBCUs, ensuring that these institutions continue to thrive and make significant contributions to their communities, students, and society at large.
4. Amplifying Community Impact: We envision HBCUs as catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Principles
Equity
The Brilliance Initiative shall operate on principles of equity, aiming to address historical disparities and promote inclusive opportunities for HBCU students and communities.
Empowerment
The Brilliance Initiative seeks to empower HBCUs by providing them with loan capital, credit enhancement, capacity-building resources, and networks necessary to attract and retain permanent capital. Based on the schools Reinvestment Fund has financed to date, we expect the student population served will be >70% Pell Grant recipients and majority first-generation college students.
Collaboration
The Brilliance Initiative shall foster collaboration among HBCUs, community stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to advance advocacy efforts, research initiatives, and community development strategies.