Square Financial Services’ 22 Squared Grant Initiative Returns for Second Year
Square Financial Services today opened applications for the 22 Squared Grant Initiative in partnership with the Community Foundation of Utah. For the second year in a row, and building atop the success of the 21 Squared Grant Initiative in 2021, Square Financial Services will award microgrants of at least $2,200 to 22 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on community development initiatives throughout Utah.
The microgrants are intended for Utah-based nonprofits that engage in at least one of the following pillars of community development work: small business development, affordable housing, reentry support and entrepreneurship, and financial capability and wellness.
“Through the funds we received as part of 21 Squared, we were able to assist dozens of budding minority entrepreneurs and small business owners by helping them start and grow their businesses,” said Edward Bennett, Director of Business Development at the Suazo Business Center, a nonprofit dedicated to the empowerment of underserved entrepreneurs. “Our organization strives to provide the necessary resources and education required to break cycles of poverty and create generational wealth. The grant gave us the ability to make a lasting impact in our community by expanding the services we were able to offer.”
Last year’s inaugural grant program attracted widespread interest from regional nonprofits. Recipients represented 10 cities across Utah, resulting in the funding of key organizations focused on critical community development work in both rural and urban areas.
“We began this initiative to support the numerous nonprofits throughout Utah that are making a positive impact in traditionally underserved communities and we have been inspired by the work they have accomplished,” said Lew Goodwin, CEO of Square Financial Services. “Our continued partnership with the Community Foundation of Utah will equip local philanthropic and charitable organizations with the resources they need to make a difference.”
“Many nonprofits used the funds from last year’s grants to pilot brand new initiatives along with enhancing current programs for those they serve, whether that was creating fellowship programs for refugees or providing workshops for minority-owned small businesses,” said Alex Eaton, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation of Utah.
Online applications are now open for eligible, Utah-based nonprofit organizations until December 31, 2022.
For more information or to apply, please visit https://utahcf.org/community-impact/initiatives/22-squared-grant-initiative
About Square
Square helps sellers more easily run and grow their businesses with its integrated ecosystem of commerce solutions. Square offers purpose-built software to run complex restaurant, retail, and professional services operations, versatile e-commerce tools, embedded financial services and banking products, buy now, pay later functionality through Afterpay, staff management and payroll capabilities, and much more – all of which work together to save sellers time and effort. Millions of sellers across the globe trust Square to power their business and help them thrive in the economy. Square is part of Block, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), a global technology company with a focus on financial services. For more information, visit www.squareup.com.