YouTube Invites Content Creators to Apply for $100M Fund

YouTube creatives from all around the globe have yet another chance to apply for the Black Voices Fund (BVF), an initiative spearheaded by the Google-owned platform aiming to empower creators.

YouTube set up the initiative in 2020 and has so far benefited over 300 grantees from the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria.

YouTube emerging markets managing director, Alex Okosi, said that the video-streaming platform has been trying to facilitate the rise of diverse voices, all-inclusive of gender and race.

“We are honoured to equip these talented creators and artists with additional resources to match their drive. At YouTube, we’ve always tried to facilitate the rise of diverse voices, all-inclusive of gender and race. Through the Black Voices Fund, in the past two years, we have been able to amplify the perspectives and experiences of these diverse creators,” Okosi said.

Those selected will benefit from a package that includes seed funding, access to exclusive sessions focused on production, community engagement, and wellbeing, specialized training, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout the year as well as dedicated support from a YouTube partner manager.

Last year, the BVF cohort enlisted 26 grantees from Africa. Kenyan creators who have benefited from the fund include Mandi Sarro Wendy Angel Nangayo (Angel Lately), Justus Nandwa, and Cheyenne Chelimo who were part of the second cohort of the YouTube BVF Class of 2022.

“Africa is overflowing with incredible talent. We are excited to discover the amazing creators the next round of applications will bring with it as we continue to invest in the amplification of Black creators,” Okosi observed.