Black Bookstore Heritage GranT
Honoring the Legacy of Mother Rose
Georgia Rose Peat West — affectionately known as Mother Rose — founded Underground Books in Sacramento, California in 2003 and lovingly managed it until her passing on December 23, 2024. She was deeply devoted to the Black bookstore community and worked tirelessly to celebrate Black stories and sustain the Black bookstore tradition.
In her memory, her family and loved ones established the Mother Rose Foundation to carry forward her vision and commitment to Black-owned bookstores.
The Black Bookstore Heritage Grant reflects Mother Rose's belief that Black bookstores are vital spaces for literacy, culture, and community — and that investing in them preserves heritage while fueling future growth.
NAB² serves as a partner in promoting the Black Bookstore Heritage Grant, helping facilitate the process and identify applicants for consideration, while the Mother Rose Foundation administers and distributes all awards.
About the Grant
Each year, the Black Bookstore Heritage Grant will award $5,000 in total annual funding to support Black-owned bookstores. This amount is distributed across multiple award cycle recipients, with the average grant expected to be around $1,250.
The grant is intended to be a one-time award that provides support for a specific project that will have a tangible impact on a store's revenue, sustainability, or capacity to serve its community.
Examples of fundable projects
Technology or software upgrades
Space renovations
Signage or marketing
Hiring a consultant or subject-matter expert
Less Likely to Be Considered
Funds for general operating expenses
Funds for the launch of a new business with little to no previous operating history
Eligible Applicants: Open to any store model — online, pop-up, mobile, or brick-and-mortar
If you are interested in applying, but unsure if you are eligible or if your project fits the grant's requirements, please feel free to contact us at team@nab2.org.
How to Apply
The grant is reviewed in four quarterly cycles each year. Below are the remaining cycles for 2026. If you're interested in applying but have missed the most recent cycle, contact us at team@nab2.org to be notified when the next cycle opens.
| Cycle | Applications Open | Notification Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 | Aug 14 – Sep 14 | Sep 28 |
| Q4 | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | Nov 16 |
To apply for the current cycle, please complete the following application form. The deadline for submission is Monday September 14, at 6 pm with applicants notified by Monday September 28.