The Holloway Family Foundation’s Annual Relay Grant is a streamlined, trust-based approach to grantmaking that places funding decisions directly in the hands of women nonprofit leaders of color. In 2020, several reports highlighted persistent disparities in philanthropic giving to women and girls of color, as well as inequities faced by organizations led by people of color compared with their White counterparts. Motivated by these findings, the foundation adapted the relay grant concept—an idea they learned from another funder earlier that year—and applied a clear racial equity lens.
How the Relay Grant Model Works
The foundation’s board began by selecting a woman of color from its existing grantee pool to receive a $3,000 unrestricted grant, with no application or reporting requirements. That recipient was then invited to nominate another woman of color leading a nonprofit in her community to receive the next grant. The process continued until all funds were distributed, creating a “relay” effect that shifts decision-making power to those closest to the work.
Building Relationships Through Trust
Since 2021, the Holloway Family Foundation has continued the relay grant initiative as a core part of its equity-centered grantmaking. Executive Director Jenny LaForest shared that the approach not only expands the foundation’s network beyond its usual circles but also strengthens trust-based relationships.
“While there aren’t any reporting requirements, many grantees choose to share how they used the funds,” she explains. “Often, relay grant recipients later apply for our traditional grants, allowing us to build longer-term relationships.”
Sharing Power and Expanding Reach
By shifting decision-making authority, the relay grant model enables nonprofit leaders to recognize and support peers who may lack access to institutional philanthropy. Removing common barriers, such as applications and reporting requirements, helps the program reach new organizations while deepening connections with community leaders.
A Model for Equity in Action
The Holloway Family Foundation’s relay grants demonstrate how small shifts in power can lead to more inclusive and effective philanthropy. By trusting those closest to the work, the foundation strengthens relationships and deepens its understanding of community needs. For funders looking to advance equity and simplify their processes, the relay grant offers a clear, replicable model rooted in Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy, trust-based giving, and community-centered decision-making.
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