New Suns Fellowship

“There is nothing new under the sun, but there are new suns.”

- Octavia E. Butler

About the New Suns Fellowship

Launched in 2024, The New Suns Fellowship is a signature, holistic leadership development initiative of the Black Collective Foundation MN that fortifies the genius of Black-led change by investing in organizers and leaders engaged in community-centered civic action.

Building on Minnesota’s legacy of transformational, people-powered civic momentum, the fellowship supports leaders who are organizing for durable, transformative infrastructure and power within their communities.

In addition to leadership grants, the New Suns Fellowship includes retreats and convenings as immersive spaces for reflection, strategic planning, and community-building. It also aims to build an ecosystem of leaders focused on civic action,

connecting each fellow to a larger, interconnected network of leaders, organizations, and initiatives committed to long-term transformation.

The New Suns Fellowship is inspired by esteemed writer Octavia Butler's work and her belief that while there may be nothing new under the sun, new suns can emerge. By embracing this principle, the fellowship encourages leaders to not only react to current circumstances but also shape change, envisioning new possibilities, systems, networks, and worlds.

HEAR from New Suns Fellows

“The new sun I envision for the communities in Minnesota is one characterized by resilience, unity, and a passionate commitment to love. It echoes the sentiment that while the stories may not be new, the potential for growth, understanding, and transformation is limitless. By embracing this collective journey, we can forge a path toward a future that honors the past while boldly stepping into the vibrant possibilities of tomorrow.”

Kevin Reese Jr., Founder & Executive Director, Until We Are All Free Movement; Founder & CEO of Until We Are All Free Consulting Group

“This fellowship is inspiring me as a leader to foster a more holistic workplace culture—one that centers rest as a fundamental core value. The movement for justice cannot thrive if those doing the work are exhausted. We must model a different way of being, one that resists the oppressive burnout culture and embraces sustainability. This is especially critical in Minnesota, where we continue to reckon with the weight of systemic injustice.”

Georgia Fort, Emmy-Award Winning Journalist, Here’s the Truth

2025-2026 New Suns Cohort

The 2025–26 New Suns Fellowship cohort is inspired by the Black Legacy Fellowship Program and will support 20 racial justice organizers across the Twin Cities. Building on Minnesota’s legacy of transformational, people-powered civic momentum, the second cohort of the New Suns Fellowship will focus on racial justice leaders who are organizing to build power and create change within their communities. Key Features of the Second Cohort Design include: 

A Focused Approach to Wellness: 20 Fellows across the Twin Cities will each receive $20,000 to support a self-designed plan for wellness, healing, and leadership development. This investment reflects our belief that wellness and restoration are essential to sustaining long-term civic leadership. This funding enables Fellows to step away from their day-to-day work and focus on one of the following areas:

  • Wellness – Time to reset and reconnect with family, home, and self, creating a foundation to return to activism with renewed clarity and purpose.

  • Healing – A culturally-rooted healing journey, potentially including spiritual and ancestral practices and travel to restore the mind, body, and spirit.

  • Leadership Development – Pursuit of learning opportunities, coaching, training, or certifications that support continued growth as a community leader.

Wraparound Leadership & Wellness Support: In addition to the grant investments, Fellows will receive holistic, integrated support through the following core components:

  • Group Wellness & Healing Sessions – Through a partnership with Reviving Roots Therapy—a Minnesota-based, Black-centered wellness center—Fellows will participate in facilitated group sessions that provide holistic mental health support, culturally affirming and trauma-informed care, and dedicated space for Black healing and restoration.

  • Leadership Convenings & Development Sessions - In-person retreats and gatherings will offer immersive opportunities for growth in key areas of leadership and personal sustainability. These convenings will feature sessions on financial guidance, social and emotional care, and network development, while also creating space for Fellows to build deep, trusting relationships with one another. A key highlight includes a cohort trip where Fellows will spend intentional time away from home engaging in deep learning, connection, and shared visioning—strengthening both individual leadership and the broader Black-led change ecosystem.

  • Individualized Coaching – Fellows will receive personalized coaching focused on strengthening their leadership and sustaining their impact over the long term. Coaches will serve as trusted guides, helping Fellows align their values with their leadership goals and navigate challenges with clarity and intention. This coaching will support each Fellow in developing their sabbatical plan, leadership vision, cultivating personal wellness and lifestyle design, and building strategies for long-term sustainability.

Invitation and selection process for 2025-26 New Suns Cohort 

This grant opportunity is invite only and will be facilitated with great care and intentionality using The Collective’s Community Builders Participatory Racial Justice Philanthropy approach. A committee of Community members from across Minnesota—each engaged in advancing the social, economic, and political well-being of Black people—will review applications and recommend awardees. These Community Builders have been actively shaping The Collective’s grantmaking for the past three years and will play a key role in the decision-making process.

All applicants have already been invited to apply and, at this time, we are not accepting additional applications. We are committed to funding creatively and abundantly to resource community centered and culturally-powered solutions. Please sign up to our newsletter to stay updated on future grant opportunities. 

New Suns Fellowship

Frequently Asked questions

  • The Black Collective Foundation MN is the first Black-led, Black-centered community foundation in Minnesota. We invest in Black-led change and work to build lasting infrastructure for racial justice through philanthropy, leadership development, and community engagement.es here

  • This opportunity is facilitated using The Collective’s Community Builders Participatory Racial Justice Philanthropy approach. Trusted community members from across Minnesota—each actively advancing the well-being of Black communities—will review applications and recommend awardees.

  • This opportunity is open by invitation only to leaders who have led impactful racial justice work across the Twincities. 

  • Only invited applicants are eligible for this round.

  • All applications must be submitted through the link you should have received via e-mail. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted.

  • Invited applicants will be reviewed by the Community Builders, who use a participatory and values-aligned review process. Final recommendations will be based on alignment with the fellowship goals and the potential for the investment to support healing, wellness, and leadership growth.

    Conflict of Interest Policy will be honored: We require all grant reviewers, staff, and board members of the Black Collective Foundation MN to disclose any potential conflicts of interest so we can ensure transparency and, when necessary, recuse them from the review process to uphold the integrity of our decisions. This helps us avoid any real or perceived conflicts and reflects our commitment to ethical, community-centered leadership. No individual who is related to, lives with, or has a financial interest connection to staff or board members of The Black Collective Foundation MN will be eligible to receive an award.

  • Fellows will be notified and publicly announced in September 2025.

  •  You can send questions to Impact@MNBlackCF.org.