Georgia Resilience & Opportunity Fund

#BlackHistoryMonth may be coming to a close, but our work to expand economic freedom and justice continues. Throughout history, Black communities have fought for economic security—creating mutual aid societies, advocating for land ownership, and building financial institutions to ensure that future generations could thrive. Today, we continue that work through #InHerHands guaranteed income and #FreedomFutures baby bonds initiatives, innovative policies that seek to meaningfully narrow the racial wealth divide and uplift Black families. At GRO Fund, we believe the time for economic justice is now—not just a dream for the future. That’s why we’re committed to addressing the root causes of inequality and investing directly in communities. Because Black history is still in the making, and our policies are part of that story. #BHM #EconomicJustice #GuaranteedIncome #BabyBonds #InHerHands

Black history is alive in Atlanta—woven into the streets, neighborhoods, and people who continue to shape the city every day. From the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement to today’s culture, innovation, and resilience, Atlanta has legacy on every block. It’s in the voices that demanded justice, the businesses that built Black wealth, and the communities that continue to rise. When we launched phase two of #InHerHands, we knew we wanted to join in on that history by investing directly into Black neighborhoods with deep legacies of strength, activism, and perseverance. For generations, places like English Avenue, Vine City, Bankhead, and Washington Park have been home to leaders, changemakers, and families who shaped Atlanta—and now, we’re working to ensure their futures are just as powerful. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating these historic neighborhoods, their stories, and the people who keep their legacies alive. Because Black history isn’t just something we remember—it’s something we build. #BlackHistoryLivesHere

When women have the space to dream, they create a future beyond limits. At our recent vision board party, #InHerHands participants gathered to reflect, connect, and map out the possibilities ahead. With every image and word they chose, they were shaping a vision for financial freedom, stability, and joy. Shout out to Create ATL and Scraplanta for hosting us!

Black history is a story of resilience, innovation, and progress—and its legacy calls us to build a future where opportunity knows no bounds. For us, true celebration goes beyond reflection—it means action. That's why we work to honor the vision of the Black leaders, activists, and communities who came before us by championing policies that create lasting change. Because #BlackHistory isn’t just about what came before—it’s about building a future where opportunity isn’t up for debate. Together, we can turn generations of dreams into lasting realities. Happy #BlackHistoryMonth!

From stagnant wages to soaring housing costs, young people are struggling to meet basic needs and get ahead. In fact, young people are on track to earn less than their parents for the first time. The average Millennial currently holds 41% less wealth than a similarly aged adult in 1989. Deep crises require bold, evidence-based solutions and pilots build the evidence base for those solutions. That's why we're launching #FreedomFutures, an accelerated baby bonds pilot to narrow the racial wealth divide and increase economic security for young people. Learn more at thegrofund.org/baby-bonds #BabyBonds #GuaranteedIncome #Atlanta

“The dignity of the individual will flourish when the decisions concerning his life are in his own hands, when he has the assurance that his income is stable and certain…” — Dr. Martin Luther King, 1967 Over fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., called for a #GuaranteedIncome to alleviate racial and economic injustice. Today, the urgency to fulfill this call and ensure economic security to live a dignified, decent life persists across the country, throughout Georgia, and in Dr. King’s own neighborhood, the Old Fourth Ward. We are proud to have been able to bring a part of his dream to life through our guaranteed income program, #InHerHands. In celebration of #MLK day learn more about what #King had to say on guaranteed income and hear from some of our participants on the freedom of choice GI allows.

Today is an expected irony in America – a reminder of the long distance there is to go for this country to live up to the values it claims on paper. As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King on MLK Day, and our country inaugurates Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States, Dr. King’s words above—spoken just two months before he was assassinated in Memphis—reverberate. Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that we must continue to be audacious in our right to dream: of brighter futures, thriving communities, and of a society where wealth and opportunity are not dictated by skin color or zip code. And, that this dreaming must be matched with action and doing. Despite the enormity of the challenges, we continue to dream boldly; with programs that honor Dr. King’s vision and belief that eradicating poverty is our collective responsibility and one we can surely solve. We remain committed to bringing to life Dr. King’s call for the beloved community and economy. We remain, as always, the authors of our own liberation—moving forward with unwavering determination and guided by the boundless hope that sustains us. - Hope Wollensack, Founding Executive Director, The GRO Fund #MLK #MLKDay

The racial wealth gap in #Atlanta is alarming. For every $46 a white household holds in wealth, a Black household holds just $1. This sharp contrast shows why we need bold, community-driven solutions that address the root causes of economic insecurity. #EconomicJustice

Cheers to another year of bold, community-led solutions to the challenges our communities face and to building an economy and future where everyone can thrive. ?? Thank you for being in community with us. #HappyNewYear

As we close 2024, we’re celebrating transformative milestones and bold, evidence-based solutions to end poverty and narrow the racial wealth divide. Thank you for being part of this journey to create an economy that works for everyone. Here’s to a future of equity, opportunity, and shared prosperity. #atlanta #BoldIdeas #YearInReview