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 Trust Fund to carry forward her vision and commitment to Black-owned bookstores.
About the Grant
Each year, the Mother Rose Trust Fund, in partnership with NAB², 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 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 Trust Fund administers and distributes all awards.
How to Apply
The grant is reviewed in four quarterly cycles each year. Below are the remaining cycles for 2026.
| Cycle | Applications Open | Notification Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 | Sat Aug 1 – Fri Sep 11 | Fri Sep 25 |
| Q4 | Thu Oct 1 – Fri Dec 4 | Fri Dec 18 |
To apply for the current cycle, please complete the following short application form. The deadline for submission is Friday September 11, at 6 pm and applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday September 25th.