YouTube’s Black Voices Fund is seeking its next class of creators

YouTube is seeking the next class of creators to receive a grant from the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.

Launched in 2020, the $100 million fund is split in several directions, including YouTube Originals made by and starring Black creators and celebrities. Its grant program kicked off in 2021 with an inaugural class of 132 creators.

Those who are accepted into the grant program’s upcoming 2023 class will receive cash to fund their content-making, a YouTube Partner Manager, development sessions with industry professionals, and “bespoke training sessions, workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year,” YouTube says.

Applications are open to Black creators, artists, songwriters, and producers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Two years ago we announced the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund to amplify Black perspectives and experiences,” YouTube said in a blog post about the new application round. “We also wanted to directly support Black creators, artists, songwriters and producers so they can be equipped with the resources to thrive here on YouTube. Our hope is to continue to support and celebrate these creators as they show their talent and uniqueness throughout our platform.”

Taty Cokley, a YouTube creator and #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund alum with 910,000 subscribers, said participating in the grant program “allowed me to learn from the best about everything from lighting choices to believing in yourself and your content.”

“Typically, our community isn’t given these resources so it can make it feel as if there is a glass ceiling for us that we just can’t break through,” Cokley added. “This program has allowed us to shatter that ceiling and amplify our voices and our message to the masses.”

Applications are open at the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund hub. YouTube says those who are accepted will be notified of their acceptance no later than October 2022.