The Aequo Fund
The Mission of Aequo is to create a community development initiative that will result in positive race and wealth equity outcomes from increased neighborhood stabilization, minority homeownership, and job creation.
Increase Diversity in Real Estate Development
By providing capital to developers who may have trouble accessing traditional financing
Drive Neighborhood Stabilization and Growth
By expanding developer and small business owner capacity through access to resources and targeted support
Establish a Robust Development Ecosystem
By creating networks of resources and knowledge for developers, business owners, and individuals
Support Local & Community Organizations
By complementing local community growth, workforce development, and financial education programs
Improve the Affordable Housing Inventory
By increasing affordable homeownership opportunities and financial education in under-financed communities
Foster a Network of Apprenticeship
By fostering apprenticeship opportunities outside and within the developer community
The Aequo Fund
The Aequo Fund will invest $5 million into real estate development projects led by Black, Brown, Women, and Immigrant developers, concentrated within five US cities: Baltimore, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Portland, and Richmond. In addition to a focus on increasing diversity in the development space, The Aequo fund is specifically interested in projects that create affordable housing inventory, foster stronger community ties, and leverage partnerships with community organizations.
In addition to the capital allocated by the fund, The Aequo Fund is working towards
Increasing the stock of affordable homes in urban communities
Fostering a network of partnerships between businesses, schools, and communities organizations
Creating a pipeline of homeowners through educational programs, city housing initiatives, and engaging private lenders
Aequo Development Scholarships
The Aequo Foundation recognizes that in order to increase representation in development, more minority and women developers need to be able to pursue higher education in Real Estate Development. The Aequo Foundation offers $1,500 micro-grants to cover course materials or technology costs associated with school.
Eligible applicants should be...
Pursuing a Master's Degree in Real Estate Development
Part of a group that is under-represented in the development space
Have demonstrable financial need to offset the cost of technology or course materials
Commit to receive and provide mentorship to other members of the cohort