The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund has announced that it awarded $3 million in grants to over 100 nonprofits in the state that focus on uplifting marginalized communities. The majority of the leaders from this year’s funding cycle are Black or Brown, and more than 60% are women or non-binary individuals. Over 60% of the organizations focused on criminal justice reform are led by “returning citizens.”
These grants support organizations aligned with the fund’s pillars of change, including economic empowerment, health equity, identity and culture narrative, policing and criminal justice reform, and youth development. Grantees include well-known figures such as James “Jimmy” Hills from “Java with Jimmy,” the Bay State Banner, and The Teacher’s Lounge.
Makeeba McCreary, the president of The New Commonwealth Fund, expressed her honor in investing in these organizations working to close gaps in health, economic, and justice systems in the state. She emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives and the strength they bring to the Commonwealth.
The fund’s Respect-Based Philanthropy model aims to disrupt the philanthropic sector, elevate the leaders of these organizations, and celebrate their brilliance. This year, the fund also reached out to organizations in Gateway Cities such as Springfield, Worcester, and Brockton, with over 64% of the grant money going to organizations in these cities.
One of the organizations that received funding was the LGBT Asylum Task Force in Worcester, which provides housing for queer individuals fleeing violence in their home countries due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The New Commonwealth Fund’s support aims to empower these organizations and serve as a model for others in the philanthropic sector.
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