COME HOME TO A COMMUNITY-POWERED FUTURE
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COME HOME TO A COMMUNITY-POWERED FUTURE •
The extractive real estate industry has been at the heart of nearly every injustice and inequity impacting our communities — from gentrification and food apartheid to the defunding of public education and funding of the carceral system. But here at The Guild, we know a people-centered framework is possible and part of an emerging movement across the country.
In an ecosystem, groundcover is the layer of vegetation that protects the topsoil from erosion and drought.
Across the country, communities of color act as rich groundcover — bolstering local economies through small businesses, adding cultural vibrancy, and strengthening democracy by organizing for racial justice and equity. Yet, due to gentrification, and systemic racism overall, this rich groundcover is eroding. Black communities, and other communities of color continue to be disproportionately displaced and economically marginalized. At the heart of these compounding, capitalism-fueled crises, is the issue of prioritizing profits over people.
In order to repair and restore this rich groundcover, we believe it is necessary to invest in alternative development models that prevent community erosion and build community wealth.
Honoring the past. Determining our future.
Since our inception in 2015, The Guild has worked to build community wealth and power in Atlanta through alternative, reparative models of development that center ownership and self-determination for BIPOC communities, honor historical legacies of Black and Indigenous land stewardship, and boldly bring to life resilient, thriving futures for generations to come.
We are at a pivotal moment for this movement and the future of our communities. At this crossroads, we have the opportunity to depart from business as usual and build a different future — one that will require boldly resourcing alternative models. Our work at The Guild is rooted in honoring the past while daring to create pathways for marginalized communities to build wealth, resilience, and self-determination.
Introducing
In 2024, we launched an integrated capital fund to resource our current pilot projects and future endeavors, ultimately seeding and scaling a broader movement for community ownership across the South. We are seeking solidarity investors to contribute grant and/or investment capital, as well as join in a unique learning cohort.
For general investment terms, please click here.
Illustrated by the Futuring Collective
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A
Solidarity Investor
To launch Groundcover, The Guild is bringing together a cohort of solidarity investors to contribute capital and join in a learning program.
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Contribute grant capital in an amount that is significant and meaningful for your entity. The Guild team supports each solidarity investor in making a grant that is aligned and feasible for you.
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You may also choose to contribute investment capital at Groundcover’s non-extractive terms. We’re currently seeking capital in the 1-3% range, for a 5-10 year term, but are accepting bespoke investments. Please reach out if you have questions.
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Participate in learning program sessions (November 2023, January 2024, March 2024). The learning program covers:
* The Guild’s Community Stewardship model
* Groundcover’s investment model
* How both Groundcover and its pilot projects intentionally build upon the long history of Black and Brown communities innovating models for land trusts, cooperatives, and other community stewardship models
* How to ensure community ownership models don’t become watered down as this movement gains mainstream traction
* How investors can be active partners in shifting from extractive real estate investments (such as REITs) toward serving models that center on justice and self-determination for BIPOC communities
Kataly Foundation
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Kresge Foundation
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Community Movement Builders
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Kendeda Fund
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Housing Justice League
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Urban Oasis Development
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Ujamaa Construction
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Kataly Foundation • Kresge Foundation • Community Movement Builders • Kendeda Fund • Housing Justice League • Urban Oasis Development • Ujamaa Construction •
OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS