BE-BLAC Foundation
Empowering Black Excellence in Salem and Transforming Communities Through Impact-Driven Programs
BE-BLAC Foundation helps the Black youth and entrepreneurs of Salem, OR overcome systemic barriers to thrive as business owners and community leaders. BE-BLAC (Black Leadership Action Council) Foundation’s mission is to develop and grow the Black community by fostering generational leadership, strengthening Black families, and partnering with Black-owned and operated businesses and nonprofits. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, we aim to build a future where Black voices are at the forefront of shaping and thriving in an equitable Salem.
Partnership Quick Facts
The Challenge
In 2021, BE-BLAC Foundation operated with a single full-time employee, serving as a central hub for the Black community, yet struggling to meet growing needs. Limited funding and resources hindered their ability to expand critical support services for Black-led businesses and youth programs.
The Journey: From Barbershop Conversations to Transformational Partnerships
Recognizing the need for strategic support, Greggery Peterson, BE-BLAC Foundation’s visionary Executive Director, began searching for someone to help with grant strategy. The story begins in the heart of Salem’s Black community: Q’s Corner Barbershop - a buzzing hub where entrepreneurs like Adam Navarro (owner of a local boxing gym and husband to JLL’s Elaine) gather to share stories and make meaningful connections. One afternoon, while Elaine was joining Adam for a haircut, Greggery burst through the door with his signature energy, spotted Elaine, and asked, “Are you the grant writer?”
​
What followed was an instant connection. Greg’s superpower was his community intuition: he understood Salem’s needs intimately, from youth mentorship gaps to the barriers facing Black entrepreneurs. What he needed was a partner to turn his ideas into compelling proposals.
BE-BLAC Foundation partnered with Just Look Left Grant Consulting (JLL) in 2021 to support grant fundraising efforts. Through targeted proposal development and strategic planning, JLL helped BE-BLAC Foundation build meaningful funder relationships and secure vital funding, transforming their capacity to serve the community. This collaboration enabled BE-BLAC Foundation to launch new initiatives, amplify existing programs, and build a robust funding portfolio. Hiring a consulting agency like JLL not only led to an impactful return on investment but also allowed them to focus on the mission of the organization, without needing to worry about grant funding.
The Results
In just two years, BE-BLAC Foundation secured over $1M+ in funding, which was a transformational infusion of resources that amplified their community impact exponentially. This success was fueled by strategic partnerships with powerhouse organizations including the Oregon Department of Education’s Black Student Success initiative (which provided multi-year funding), the Oregon Community Foundation, Nike (through the OCF Community Impact Fund), and equity-focused allies like The Collins Foundation’s Black Equity Movement Committee. These collaborations didn’t just write checks. They invested in systemic change, enabling BE-BLAC Foundation to expand educational programs, career development workshops, and community resources. ​
​The results reverberated across Salem: 1,944 individuals gained critical support, 155 Black-led businesses and nonprofits accessed networks and funding (including $150,962 in direct business grants), and thousands of youth found mentorship through programs like Girls That Rock and Kroc Basketball Camp. This momentum has cemented BE-BLAC Foundation’s role as a catalyst for Black excellence and laid an unshakable foundation for the next chapter of empowerment.
Conclusion: Scaling for the Future
The BE-BLAC Foundation and JLL partnership has catalyzed a transformational journey, from a modest start to a dynamic organization driving systemic change. With diversified funding and strategic support, BE-BLAC Foundation is poised to continue empowering Salem’s Black community, paving the way for even greater impact in the future.