Social Justice Fund Northwest made grants totaling $723,578 to 138 organizations in 2004, including donor advised giving.
Of our total 2004 general fund grantmaking, 52% were awarded in the form of multi-year support for progressive organizations. In 2004, Social Justice Fund NW supported a total of 20 organizations with new and ongoing Three-Year Grants.
Of the $330,000 given in Three-Year Grants, 35% went to Oregon, 26% to Washington, 17% to Montana, 14% to Idaho, and 9% to Wyoming. One-third of these funds were for capacity building, and the remaining two-thirds were for general support.
Each grant is $65,000 over three years awarded to develop stronger, larger, and more effectively managed organizations with greater impact.
The Hate Free Zone Campaign was initiated as a response to the post-September 11th backlash against communities of color. The Hate Free Zone Campaign strives to make Washington State a place where all individuals feel safe, through advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities, direct support to targeted individuals, anti-bias education, and community organizing. This grant will support operational systems that will contribute to the long-term effectiveness of the campaign. (2004-2006)
MHRN was created in 1990 as a strategy for organizing against the rise of white supremacist hate groups in Montana. MHRN currently works to promote pluralism and democracy, while supporting community acceptance of sexual minorities and Native Americans, and supporting environmental activism. This grant will support the development of a diverse and stable funding base. (2004-2006)
Western Prison Project, based in Oregon, works to build a multiracial racial movement for progressive reform of the criminal justice system in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada. WPP is a grassroots community-based organization working with current and former prisoners and their family members; provides technical assistance and public education to organizations in their region; and has created a Legal Advisory Team in Oregon. This grant will support a fundraising and communications program. (2004-2006)
IWN is a statewide, nonpartisan coalition of organizations that works to improve the quality of, and opportunities in, the lives of women and their families. Through advocacy, organizing and citizen action, IWN promotes justice, diversity and equal rights. This grant is to complete a comprehensive organizational assessment and strategic planning process and to build and strengthen infrastructure. (2002-2004)
PCUN is Oregon's farmworker union dedicated to improving the working and living conditions in farm labor by empowering farmworkers to understand and take action against poverty, exploitation, and all of its effects. This grant is to dramatically increase the number of workers with the capacity and commitment to serve the movement as volunteer or paid organizers and leaders. PCUN launches this initiative at a time of great opportunities for workers to press for and achieve lasting and meaningful changes, especially in thier workplaces, as a result of PCUN's 14-year struggle to establish collective bargaining rights for Oregon farmworkers. (2002-2004)
Organizations selected receive $15,000 a year for each of three years to encourage organizational stability and ongoing impact.
Adelante Mujeres is an organization committed to the education and empowerment of low-income Latina immigrant women. Located in Forest Grove, Oregon, Adelante Mujeres offers courses that promote literacy, basic education and life skills, and aids women to develop leadership skills through opportunities for public speaking, civic involvement and community service. (2004-2006)
CAUSA is an Oregon organization based in the Latino community that works to defend and advance the rights of immigrant families. Programs build public awareness of the issues faced by these families, expand collaboration between organizations working with immigrant rights, and increase immigrant leadership and civic participation. (2004-2006)
The Comite Pro-Amnistia is a coalition of membership organizations that responds to the needs and rights of Washington’s immigrant populations. Current activities include leadership development, local and national lobbying for amnesty, and programs that will encourage further collaboration and outreach. (2004-2006)
The Equality State Policy Center strives to regain and maintain policy decision-making power for the citizens of Wyoming. The organization works to limit the power of industry over state government, democratizing state politics, and encouraging public participation through organizing and legislative advocacy. (2004-2006)
The Idaho Hispanic Caucus is an organization that advocates for the Latino community in Idaho with regard to a wide number of social justice issues. Activities include the Latino Vote project; a Latino health project; and active coalition building within the Latino community and with Native American tribal leaders. (2004-2006)
Montana Women Vote is a statewide coalition of organizations that encourage low-income women, many non-voters, to participate in the democratic process. The coalition educates and mobilizes their base population to participate as voters and to advocate for policies that will positively affect their lives. This general operating grant will support voter registration, a database, and community outreach. (2004-2006)
PJALS is a progressive organization in Spokane that focuses on community organizing and hands-on activism. Participants respond to a broad range of social justice issues through education and action programs that both teach and strive for peace, economic justice, and diversity. This general operating grant will help to establish a living wage in Spokane, to increase acceptance of diversity by changing prevailing attitudes among participants, and to build a grassroots progressive peace movement. (2004-2006)
PRIDE! is a statewide advocacy group for Montana’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population. In response to a recent movement in Montana for the “re-criminalization of lesbian and gay sex,” PRIDE has initiated activities such as “Right to Love Booths” at large events, outreach to religious and conservative groups, and participation in Montana Safe Schools Coalition and in the National Gay Lesbian Task Force. This general operating grant will help to: 1) support Native American and GLBT partnerships, 2) foster a pro-GLBT faith community, 3) maintain a place at the political table, and 4) support a network of GLBT families. (2004-2006)
The Salem-Keizer Coalition is an organization that uses both bottom-up and top-down organizing to address discrimination against low-income communities and communities of color in Oregon’s criminal justice and education systems. The coalition’s main goal is to empower the community to have a voice in institutions that affect us, a goal that is reflected in the coalition’s successful Parents with Voices parental advocacy project. (2004-2006)
United Vision for Idaho is a coalition of organizations that work for a sustained statewide progressive movement. Its five core objectives are: 1) organizational development for under-represented constituencies, 2) research and policy analysis, 3) organizing and coalition building, 4) training and leadership development, and 5) “Media and Message,” a program to develop and use messages that unite rather than divide the constituencies in the coalition. (2004-2006)
Chaya's mission is to serve South Asian women in crisis, and to end domestic violence by mobilizing South Asians to address domestic violence in their communities. This grant supports grassroots community organizng and leadership development. (2002-2004)
EJAG is a community-based, membership-driven organization that addresses environmental justice issues in North and Northeast Portland. This grant is to support EJAG's work to address air pollution and its health-related effects by organizing residents to participate in research, education and policy formation. (2002-2004)
PRBRC uses community organizing and leadership development to raise a coherent and effective voice in decisions that affect their lives. It works to conserve Wyoming's unique land, minerals, water and clean air through the responsible use of these resources to sustain the livelihood of present and future generations and to preserve and enrich the state's agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle. (2002-2004)
VOZ is dedicated to organizing low-wage immigrant workers in the Portland metropolitan area, with a special focus on day laborers. Its members believe that immigrants form a valuable and productive workforce and have the right to dignified and humane working conditions. This grant is for organizing to secure and promote the rights of immigrant workers, particularly day laborers, through organizing, leadership development and community education. (2002-2004)
Social Justice Fund NW is making a special one-year grant of $15,000 to Western States Center for convening and organizing following the closure of the NW Coalition for Human Dignity. This replaces the $15,000 originally intended for the NWCHD's second-year grant payment. NWCHD was a key agent in defeating or stalling successive waves of white supremacists in our region-Aryan Nations, Christian pSocial Justice Fund NWiots, white power skinheads and militiamen. Through a series of phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and mailings, Western States Center will join with other partners to identify local activists and task forces once affiliated with NWCHD, and to reach agreement about next steps in the fight against right-wing forces in the Northwest.
Organizations selected receive $7,500 one-year grants awarded for general support or project-specific needs. This is the best entry point for general operating funds for new or emerging groups. In 2004 Social Justice Fund NW awarded $202,500 in Basic Grants.
A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) is a national organization created by black trade unionists that works to extend democracy to traditionally disenfranchised communities, to strengthen political alliances to promote democratic social change, and to create social and economic programs that improve the lives of all Americans. The APRI Seattle Chapter is an all-volunteer organization requesting funds to support a “Get out the Vote” (GOTV) project that includes voter registration, voter education, and voter participation. The project will partner with churches, as well as with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA).
The Arab American Community Coalition (AACC) formed within hours after Sept. 11th to address hate crimes and backlash against Arab Americans in the Puget Sound area. The AACC seeks to: educate the public about Arab and Arab American cultures, and particularly about hate crimes and attacks on civil liberties that Arab Americans have faced since Sept. 11th; to provide an avenue for Arab American communities to educate and advocate for themselves; and to build partnerships with other organizations and institutions on civil rights issues. The AACC requests a Basic Grant to provide general operating support.
The Safety Center is a grassroots community-based organization whose mission is to prevent violence against women through community organizing and education; to provide safe and culturally relevant services for women, youth and children; and to create housing resources for families who face domestic and sexual violence, and who are victims of human trafficking in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The Safety Center is requesting general operating funds to support ongoing community organizing work on issues like immigrant rights and equal access to services for victims of violence.
The Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance (BHRA) works to celebrate diversity; to counter bigotry, hSocial Justice Fund NWed and intolerance; and to advance human rights in the Bitterroot Valley . Formed in 1994 in response to the arrival of organized white supremacists in Montana , BHRA’s work gained a new focus with the formation of the radical rightwing militia movement in 1995, and was instrumental in rallying the community against this often violent threat to the community. Most recently BHRA fought an initiative by the religious right designed to undermine the teaching of evolution in order to advance a theocratic religious and political agenda through the Darby School Board. Social Justice Fund NW provided a Rapid Response Grant to support that fight. BHRA requests a Basic Grant to provide general operating support.
Based on the Crow Reservation, the Center Pole Foundation’s mission is to preserve and raise awareness of traditional Crow Indian ways, to promote equal opportunity and a just society for Native people by providing access to information and resources, and to conduct community projects essential to an empowered future for Native youth and their communities. Founded in 1999, Center Pole’s successes range from an arts entrepreneurship program for Native youth to a straw bale home ownership project. Center Pole requests a Basic Grant to support Crows for Justice, a group that meets to share information and to organize on justice issues affecting Crow people, including racism in education, environmental issues, and economic injustice.
The mission of the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas (CD Forum) is to offer progressive programs that encourage thought and debate on the role of African-Americans in American Society. The group supports black artists and civic leaders that empower audiences to think critically about race, ethnicity, and belonging. The CD Forum’s 5th Anniversary Season aims to broaden understanding of American culture in general and African-American culture in particular. Adhering to their motto, “Come as you are. Leave different,” the group will present 8-10 multi-disciplinary programs that embrace art and scholarship as vehicles through which we come to make sense of and accept diversity in our lives. CD Forum received a cultural grant from Social Justice Fund NW in 2000, and they currently seek general operational support.
The Chinook Tribe-Chinook Nation is dedicated to restoring sovereignty and rebuilding a thriving Chinook community. Since 1950, this organization has been working to support the dedicated and spirited Tribal Council that governs the Chinook Tribe. This Tribal Council is responsible for community development and outreach efforts; some of their efforts include food bank distributions for both the Indian and non-Indian community, intertribal relations, and economic planning with local governments and business. This group seeks general operating support to increase the number of these programs available to the Chinook people.
Formed in 1999, Communities Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) seeks to increase community action and awareness regarding issues of rape, abuse, sexual and domestic violence and oppression. Targeting both the social and political roots of sexual violence, CARA’s various programs, including The Black People’s project, The Disability Pride Project, The Young People’s Liberation Project and The Safety Project all work towards mobilizing and organizing people. CARA seeks financial support for in order to further develop their fundraising, strategic planning and leadership development processes.
FWAC formed in 2002 to uphold and promote the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, to provide Filipino workers with the tools to empower themselves and to develop leadership to address social and economic justice issues. They are applying for funds to conduct community education, organizing and capacity building focusing on issues like deportation/immigrant rights, resisting US-led wars against people of color, and globalization.
The mission of the Human Dignity Coalition is to work in Central Oregon to protect human rights, to honor diversity, and to achieve social justice for all. In 2004, the Human Dignity Coalition plans to continue educating against discrimination and prejudice, support their Women’s Resource Center , celebrate their third annual “Family” Pride Celebration that sponsors the Soromundi Lesbian Choir of Eugene, and host bi-annual Dignity Award to honor individuals and businesses in the community who promote tolerance. The group seeks general operational support; the Coalition received an Social Justice Fund NW general grant in 2000 and technical assistance grants in both 2001 and 2003.
Idaho Community Action Network (ICAN) works to create a shared vision that empowers low-income Idahoans and mobilizes diverse membership to action. ICAN’s mission is to build unity among those facing poverty, racism, and injustice and to take on the fight for food security, health care access, and immigrant justice. ICAN seeks general support to advance immigrant justice campaigns and building a sustainable immigrant rights movement in Idaho . Their priorities are consolidating the growing immigrant base, developing emerging leaders, connecting immigrant injustice to racial underpinnings, expanding the regional alliance, and formalizing organizing campaigns. ICAN received a Rapid Response grant from Social Justice Fund NW in summer of 2003.
This Poulsbo, Washington-based network of 10 local organizations and 4 affiliates organizes and educates the Kitsap County community to monitor and confront hate groups and promote diversity and civil and human rights. They are currently involved in a campaign to counter the organizing efforts of the National Front, a neo-Nazi organization.
La Radio Montanesa reaches out to the Spanish-speaking communities of Wyoming through bilingual radio programming designed to heighten awareness of cultural diversity, connect people to educational and economic development opportunities, and increase the participation and influence of people of color in government and democratic process in Wyoming . They are applying for project funding for their Electoral Project.
Montana People’s Action sponsors Indian People’s Action (IPA). IPA works for fair and equitable treatment for Montana ’s urban Indian population. In response to drastic budget cuts affecting programs for low-income people, IPA is working to build a ground breaking alliance between urban Indians, tribes, and low-income whites in Montana . IPA seeks to build a bridge of understanding between these diverse and often divided groups in the fight for economic justice for all.
NALI is an organization of Native Americans based in the Southern Oregon city of Medford that is working to create leaders and role models within the Native American population of the area in order to address the historical trauma and current day injustices facing Native peoples. NALI is seeking support for continued publication Redbird’s Journal and for electoral outreach to the local Native American community.
Northwest LELO works to promote workers rights for low income workers and people of color. By using community organization, popular political education, and international networking to develop leadership, Northwest LELO hopes to further their 32-year old mission of promoting and developing a stronger community for low wage workers. Currently Northwest LELO seeks a Three Year Capacity Building Grant in order to develop a project to better organize their members and raise awareness in how to develop low wage earnings into family wage union jobs.
People’s Institute Northwest is a multi-racial, people of color led organization seeking general support of their work of engaging all communities in the struggle to create an anti-racist society with equal opportunity for everyone. People’s Institute Northwest engages in coalition building and community organizing, and provides workshops and technical assistance aimed at addressing the multiple problems associated with racial injustice among individuals and at the institutional level.
ROP is a statewide network of 45 rural groups in Oregon who are working together to uphold the values of inclusive, participatory democracy. Started in 1992 in response to the anti-gay statewide Oregon ballot measure 9 and the growing influence of anti-democratic forces in Oregon , ROP’s primary mission is to work with rural leaders of “human dignity” groups to network them and increase their capacity to serve as “a vibrant source for a just democracy.”
SYPP is a youth-led social change organization that empowers youth to be involved in the issues and decisions that affect their lives. SYPP members, all under the age of 19, are involved in a wide variety of projects including: the Young Men’s Conference, Queer Youth Rights, Young Women’s Conference, Youth Undoing Institutional Racism, African Youth United, Youth Exploring Arts Through Hip-Hop, and Artists Undoing Racism in America . SYPP seeks a Three-Year Capacity-Building Grant to: 1) develop a strategic plan, 2) increase fundraising capacity, 3) create an evaluation tool for successes, and 4) develop a Community Advisory Board.
This group works with North American Aboriginal Peoples in the Pacific Northwest to use cultural reclamation as a means of addressing the legacy of past ethnic cleansing oppression and government and church abuse including physical and sexual abuse experienced in boarding and residential school systems. They seek to empower and expand their grassroots base, conduct educational forums, field trips, community “talking circles,” and training to build the organization and its network of partners.
The Network educates and mobilizes its membership to eliminate the root causes of poverty. The Network is seeking support for their effort to conduct an intensive voter education, registration and mobilization drive among low-income people in South King County , and for support of similar campaigns led by Network board members in each of their home communities ( Yakima , Spokane , Port Townsend and Vancouver).
The Interfaith Alliance is a statewide organization made up of progressive clergy and people of faith who have united to challenge those who distort and manipulate religion to advance extreme political agendas. They promote the positive role of religion as a healing and constructive force in public life through such programs as One Nation, Many Faiths: Vote 2004; Faith and Sexuality: The Role of Religion in Heterosexism; Finding Common Ground/Undoing Oppression; and Interfaith Youth Action.
Thin Air Community Radio is a non-commercial low power radio station founded in 1989 to serve the people of Spokane . Thin Air Community Radio airs progressive perspectives reflecting values of peace; and social, cultural and environmental justice; human rights; democracy; multiculturalism; freedom of expression; and social change on important local, national, and global issues. They are seeking support for outreach to minority communities and organizations, and organizational development efforts.
Voz Hispana Causa Chavista was founded in 1997 with the support of PCUN, Oregon ’s farmworkers’ union, to promote recognition and respect for the achievements and values of Cesar Chavez and other Hispanic heroes, and motivates Hispanic participation in the decisions that affect the community. Voz Hispana is seeking funds to support continuing organizing of Cesar Chavez Day in the public schools (a celebration initiated through their organizing) and their Latino Voter Organizing and Civic Participation Project.
The Warm Springs Community Action Team is a Native American organization based on the Warm Springs reservation in Central Oregon , a community with a more than 50% poverty rate. The WSCAT is seeking support of a project to execute a comprehensive Commercial Code on the reservation that would protect residents from predatory lenders, and open the way for local economic development.
The Wind River Alliance is cross-cultural, community-based group working on the Wind River Indian Reservation to empower and educate a community that has traditionally had little voice in decisions affecting their natural resources. Their primary goal is to restore justice and health to the community by promoting a healthy Wind River watershed. They work toward this goal through community organizing, leadership development, documentation of elders’ perspectives, citizen-involvement training, community projects and public education on the reservation and surrounding communities.
WOCA is the only organization of its kind in Idaho . They work to develop a firm institutional foundation for social change activism by and for women of color in Idaho . WOCA is achieving this goal by identifying, networking, and training women of color, with a particular focus on dealing with internalized racist, sexists and class oppression as obstacles to attaining power. WOCA also produces a quarterly newsletter and an annual conference.
These grants were for up to $3,000 -- Awarded to help organizations increase their skills in areas such as fundraising, organizational development and leadership, organizational diversity, management, networking, and long-range strategic planning. TA grants were awarded quarterly in 2004.
Total Awarded - $62,681
Seattle, WA: African Youth United (AYU) is a new group working to build bridges between African immigrant youth, local African American youth and the African American community in general by working on issues of shared concern including criminal justice reform, police accountability, and education. The TA grant supported a strategic planning and training retreat.
Portland, OR: Alliance for Police and Community Accountability is a multicultural alliance of organizations and individuals who work to pro-actively create mutual respect, responsibility, and accountability between the Portland Police Bureau and the communities and neighborhoods it serves. This grant helped to increase their techinical capacity by assisting with the purchase of a computer system, data base software, digital camera,and website. This will help keep membership and the public informed about their work and opportunities for involvement.
Seattle, WA: Banchero Friends Services (BFS) works with developmentally disabled and mentally ill people. The grant was used to train developmentally disabled and mentally ill people in civic participation, especially lobbying, to insure that this constituency will be protected against traditional abuses such as forced sterilizations, denial of voting, rights, etc.
Portland, OR: Brother to Brother - Portland's mission is to provide support and advocacy for African American Gay and Bi-sexual males and their families living in the Portland Metropolitan area. Funding from this grant allowed the reconstituted Board of Directors to engage in a cohesive strategic planning retreat resulting in an annual work plan for the board, organization restructure, and annual fundraising initiatives.
Seattle, WA: CASA Latina's mission is to empower Latino immigrants through educational and economic opportunities. This grant allowed 12 people from CASA Latina to participate in the Community Strategic Training Initiative (CSTI) in Portland from July 29 - August 1, 2004.
Chinook, WA: The Chinook Tribe is one of many illegally terminated tribes. The tribe is currently operating under a volunteer tribal government and working to restore sovereignty, preserve their culture, address historical trauma and rebuild the community. This grant helped the tribe to develop a fundraising plan and grants tracking system.
Portland, OR: Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) works to educate and empower renters in Oregon to demand safe, stable, and affordable rental housing. This grant provided leadership training for members and staff through the Western State Center's Community Strategic Training Initiative (CSTI), and helped with strategic planning support for CAT's collaborative Affordable Housing NOW! campaign.
Seattle, WA: Community Coalition for Environmental Justice advocates for the elimination of environmental injustice and mobilizes low income communities of color to fight for their rights. This grant allowed two new community organizers on staff to attend the Community Strategic Training Initiative in Portland from July 29 - August 2, 2004.
Portland, OR: Enlace is a membership organization comprised of worker centers and immigrant unions who organize the working poor. Enlace joins and strengthens the efforts of member groups to change the balance of power between the rich and poor through peer support and campaign support and coordination. This grant helped Enlace to diversify its sources of income.
Seattle, WA: Helping Link's mission is to contribute to the well being of the Vietnamese community and to promote and preserve their cultural heritage. This grant was used to hire a consultant to help staff and volunteers create a viable, sustaining funding plan for the future.
Spokane, WA: The Interfaith Council organizes and mobilizes a broad alliance of people representing diverse faith communities in Eastern Washington to address issues of intolerance, domestic violence, poverty, and other social justice concerns. This grant was used for board leadership development and strategic planning.
Portland, OR: Kurdish Human Rights Watch advocates for Kurdish refugees and new arrivals in the Portland-area, building a sense of community, and addressing community concerns including anti-immigrant prejudice and human rights abuses. The grant was used to develop group leaders' ability to conduct outreach and develop new leaders.
Mountlake Terrace, WA: This grant is to a newly formed group organizing the fast growing Latino community in Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan and Island counties to collectively participate in and reform the electoral system. The grant is for establishing the group as a formal organization and for organizational development, and program planning.
Helena, MT: Founded in 1990, Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN) is dedicated to promoting democratic values such as pluralism, equality and justice; challenging bigotry and intolerance; and organizing grassroots leaders to speak out in support of democratic values and institutions. MHRN used the grant to help send at least one staff member to the Western State Center’s Community Strategic Training Initiative (CSTI) in Portland, OR in July 2004.
Boise, ID: Mujeres Unidas de Idaho promotes leadership skills for Latina women so they can be actively involved in their communities and more informed about issues affecting them and their families. They also aim for the creation of networks among Latina women. This fund will allow more women to attend the annual conference they organize as well as to cover any additional costs.
Seattle, WA: Non-profit Assistance Center (NAC) is a resource and training intermediary for organizatons in communities facing discriminiation and injustice. The grant is to continue the Immmigrant and Refugee Scoping Project, a joint project of NAC, the Western States Center, and Social Justice Fund NW to identify the issues and dynamics of organizing and advocacy among refugee and immigrant groups.
Leavenworth, WA: The Coalition explores creative means of promoting an anti-racist society. They have organized several training events and workshops from a diverse, interfaith, and non-sectarian perspective. These funds supported a five-day training to build a strong team of individuals to commit to this work.
Seattle, WA: Northwest Labor and Employment Law Office (LELO) is a people-of-color-led grassroots organization that uses community organizing, popular education, and international networking to develop the leadership and promote the view points of workers of color and women workers to win economic and racial justice. This TA grant supplemented partial scholarships provided by the Western States Center to cover the remaining costs for seven activists and one staff person to attend the 2004 CSTI in Portland.
Spokane, WA: Odyssey Youth Center works with LGBTQ youth and their allies to provide a safe place, education,and advocacy to promote positive growth and self-empowerment. This grant allowed four youth members and two staff members to attend the 2004 Community Strategic Training Initiative (CSTI) in Portland, OR. This training will support the development of their youth leaders and their youth organizing training program, Odyssey Out Loud.
Seattle, WA: This community center is a project of Queen City Community Development. The goal of the project is to provide a center for the LGBT social and political community to address isolation, particularly of vulnerable sectors of the community, and to foster unity and a sense of community identity. The grant was used to create the group's first strategic plan.
Seattle, WA: The Seattle Young People's Project (SYPP) empowers youth to express themselves and take action on the issues that affect their lives by providing a framework for youth organizing. SYPP is a youth led- adult supported - social change organization. This grant will helped eight youth organizors and two new SYPP directors to attend CSTI in Portland. This also helped the two directors attend the Western Institute for Organizing and Leadership Development (WILD) in January 2005.
Kellogg, ID: SVCRC is a membership-based environmental justice organiztion formed in 1986 by residents of Silver Valley to address the health problems facing residents of the area resulting from pollution related to mining. The focus of the work is cleaning up the Bunker Hill Superfund site. The grant is for creating a fundraising plan and for training leaders in fundraising skills.
Spokane, WA: Spokane Task Force on Race Relations is committed to promoting racial equity through mobilizing community response and addressing issues of racism in all its forms. This organization dedicates itself primarily to educating schools, faith communities, and businesses. This fund will help with the development of a crisis response team, HIRTS (Hate Incident Response Team Spokane), to provide 24/7 response service for victims of hate crimes.
Portland, OR: Survivors Advocating for an Effective System is a group of crime survivors that advocate for a deeper understanding of violence through challenging societal values regarding crime. This is engaged through empowerment, community education, and capacity building. This fund helped to strengthen their organization and to identify programs that can be replicated.
Burien, WA: Washington ACORN empowers low income communities through the creation of grassroots, democratic member driven unions. These funds helped send 30 union members to the National ACORN Convention and eight to attend the American Institute for Social Justice Leadership School.
Seattle, WA: Washington State Jobs with Justice is a coalition of different labor, community, and religious groups that actively work together to advocate for workers rights. This grant helped them conduct Undoing Institutional Racism (UIR) training with their leadership.
Seattle, WA: WROC is a statewide group organizing low-income parents, especially those receiving public assistance to effect positive changes in their lives and their communities. The grant supported WROC's 2nd annual membership meeting, which brought together leaders and members to update them and involve them in strategic planning and organizational development.
Meridian, ID: The Women of Color Alliance (WOCA) works to develop a foundation for social change activism led by and on behalf of Native American, African American, Asian American, and Latina women in Idaho. This grant allowed four WOCA women to attend Community Stategic Training Initiative in Portland this summer.
Bozeman, MT: Women’s Voices for Earth empowers women to develop leadership skills to promote sustainability and to address environmental issues that disproportionately affect women. This grant was used to purchase computer equipment and software as well as support newly hired staff to expand their programs.
These grants are for up to $1,000 -- Awarded throughout the year to help organizations respond to unexpected events or issues (this program was established to respond to legislative or policy attacks).
Total awarded in 2004: $25,973.00
Portland, OR: Andisheh Center's mission is to present Iranian culture and heritage to the non-Iranian community of the Portland area and SW WA. This grant supported a documentary called I Exist: Voices from the Lesbian & Gay Middle Eastern Community, a panel discussion with three women from the film, and displays of LGBT advocacy organizations.
Portland, OR: BREF educates and advocates to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon. In early 2004 they lobbied Multnomah County Commissioners to revise policy on same -sex marriage. They used this grant to reorganize their marriage resources on the popular Basic Rights Oregon website.
Hamilton, MT: Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance engages in activism to counter bigotry, hSocial Justice Fund NWed, intolerance in the Valley. This grant supported community organizing against a proposal adopted by the Darby Public School Board and funded by the Christian Right, that undermines the teaching of evolution.
Seattle, WA: The Center for Social Justice planned to organize a Northwest Social Forum (NWSF) to build relationships of mutual support among activists, organizations and communities in the Northwest by sharing common visions of social justice, economic equality and environmental restoration for the region. This grant supported outreach to Indigenous communities and leaders. The Forum was unfortunately cancelled, but funds were used to assist with outreach and discussion with Native communities on the Forum’s goals.
Seattle, WA: The Committee was founded in April 2000 to address the needs and rights of Washington's immigrant populations, specifically for the general amnesty for resident immigrants. This grant will help the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Melt Campaign of Washington to combat the Fugitive Operations detentions that racially target the Latino community.
Seattle, WA: CARA promotes a broad agenda for liberation and social justice while prioritizing anti-rape work. This grant helped CARA's Disability Pride project partner with National ADAPT to mobilize local and national disability-rights activists in opposition to institutionalization and other restricive settings.
Portland, OR: The Community of Welcoming Congegrations (CWC) is a growing interfaith organization with 45 member congregations that provide LGBT persons with a safe, supportive place to explore their sexuality and spirituality. Because of growth, CWC recently moved into their own office space, and this grant enabled them to purchase needed items and to repair the office.
Eugene, OR: Eugene PeaceWork's Committee for Countering Military Recruitment promotes nonviolent strategies for direct action against militarism and its use to promote other institutions of oppression. This grant helped them bring speaker Fernando Suarez to teach at an event designed to empower youth to look closely at military service before giving in to high pressure sales tactics from military recruiters.
Bend, OR: Human Dignity Coalition’s mission is to safeguard and protect human rights, honor diversity, and achieve social justice for all. This grant helped the Support Diversity –Bend Together campaign with local businesses to raise awareness about diversity in the community and to prevent violence against groups in response to a recent hate crime.
Boise, ID: ICAN works to create a shared vision that empowers low-income Idahoans and mobilizes diverse membership to action. ICAN’s mission is to build unity among those facing poverty, racism, and injustice and to take on the fight for food security, health care access, and immigrant justice. In response to the increasingly hostile environment and strong anti-immigrant atmosphere in Idaho, this grant helped ICAN to attend a conference on race and public policy in order to strategize with other organizers.
Veradale, WA: Inland Northwest Pride (INPride) funds, hosts and coordinates the annual Spokane Pride Parade, Festival and Business Fair held for the LGBTQ community. This year, INPride is advocating for the right of same sex couples to marry by holding "The Wedding of the Year," in which couples will say "I do" or renew their marriage vows. This grant helped cover the costs of photographs and advertising for this event.
Poulsbo, WA: The Kitsap Human Rights Network organizes and educates communities and individuals to defend their rights and to confront hate groups. This grant helped them counter the National Alliance, a white supremacist hate group, by organizing a public rally and pledge drive.
Ashland, OR: The Lambda Community Center Association (LCCA) is dedicated to promoting positive and a healthy presence for LGBT persons, their families and friends in the larger community of southern Oregon through advocacy and education. This grant was used to inform the LGBT community about marriage equality and laws in order to encourage them to vote in the 2004 elections.
Seattle, WA: Since 1995, the Legal Marriage Alliance of Washington is a voice for marriage equality and educates the LGBT community and general public on this issue. Their goal is to achieve the legal right of civil marriage for same-sex couples in Washington state. This grant funded the printing of educational materials that were distributed at Pride events and at other events throughout the state, and enabled them to reach nearly twice as many people.
Portland, OR: Love Makes a Family, Inc. is a community organizing project advocating for families headed by LGBT people through constituency support, institutional change, and public education. These funds were used to train activists interested in putting on workshops about peace in Iraq and the Middle East.
Portland, OR: MRG is a leading funder of progressive activism throughout Oregon and is committed to building a strong, unified progressive movement. MRG Foundation hosted Alliance for Justice trainers to provide free workshops for their grantees in Portland and Eugene to help wade through IRS restrictions on lobbying and advocacy to effectively organize for the 2004 election.
Helena, MT: Montana Human Rights Network is a grassroots, membership driven organization that aims to promote democratic values, pluralism, equality, and justice. They organize communities to speak out on these values. This grant helped to disseminate racist books and materials that MHRN had collected to other organizations that monitor right wing organizations.
Seattle, WA: Based in Seattle, Multifaith Works has a core of over 500 volunteers from various economic, ethnic and spiritual backgrounds who serve many low-income people living with AIDS by providing housing and support services. The Multifaith Alliance of Reconciling Communities (MARC) project is a vision for all faith communities to be fully inclusive of LGBT persons, and they used this grant to advertise their Multifaith Pride Service that advocated the rights of same-sex couples to marry.
Medford, OR: NALI is an organization of Native Americans based in the Southern Oregon city of Medford that is working to create leaders and role models within the local Native American population in order to address the historical trauma and current day injustices facing Native peoples. NALI used this grant to increase Native American voter registration to combat the disenfranchisement of Native Americans from the political process.
Eugene, OR: Oregon Toxics Alliance tries to eliminate toxic threats in Oregon through outreach, community organizing, and education. They try to assist poor people to become involved and fight for their rights on environmental justice issues. This grant helped them organize against local attempts to implement a 900 megawatt power gas burning plant.
Helena, MT: PRIDE, Inc fights for the constitutional rights of LGBT individuals in Montana through political activism and education. PRIDE has proactively lobbied and drafted several pro-LGBT bills in the Montana legislature. On behalf of Montanans for Families and Fairness, a coalition of progressive organizations, PRIDE will use this grant to thwart an effort to ban same-gender marriage in Montana.
Seattle, WA: This community center is a project of Queen City Community Development. The goal of the project is to provide a center for the LGBT social and political community to address isolation, particularly of vulnerable sectors of the community, and to foster unity and a sense of community identity. This grant helped fund the Washington LGBT Civil Rights Project.
Seattle, WA: Seattle PFLAG is part of an international organization of LGBT members advocating on a wide range of issues affecting them from local and state governments. PFLAG also works on education and community organizing. This grant supported publicity for a Marriage Equality Town Hall, a community forum to inform, motivate and empower people to work for marriage equality in Washington State.
Tacoma, WA: South Sound Center provides a community center facility and support for the LGBT community in the South Puget Sound area. Their mission is to build a strong and healthy LGBT community through collaboration and support of communinty efforts and interests. This grant helped fund the Tacoma United For Fairness's forum on equal marriage rights.
Olympia, WA: Thurston Marriage Equality (TME) is a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to providing education about marriage equality in their community. This grant funded a start-up advocacy campaign in which TME facilitated local forums on marriage equality issues.
Boise, ID: Your Family, Friends, and Neighbors, Inc.'s (YFFN) mission is to promote respect and understanding for all people, especially with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. This grant helped YFFN to fund an ad that targets people who are currently opposed to same-sex marriage.