We’re delighted to share another update from the 2023 Collective Grants Committee! Since our last update, the committee has been conducting conversations with 15 organizations in our three priorities: Early Childhood Education, Food Sovereignty & Security, and Reproductive Justice and Maternal Health.  

This is the second year of our re-imagined grants process, and we continue to lean into trust-based philanthropy practices. At this stage of the process that means a casual, virtual conversation with the organizations to build relationships and learn more about their work, instead of a formal site visit. After their conversations, the grant committee gathered to discuss and select 2 organizations in each priority to move forward to the next phase of our grants process, the ballot.  

We’re excited to share a bit about the six organizations that will be on the ballot this year. If you’re interested in learning more about what the committee learned during their conversations, please read the Voter’s Pamphlet which will be shared with active members next week. We hope everyone will join us at our Grant Award Celebration on June 13^th to hear from our new grantees and connect as a community!  

Food Sovereignty & Security 

Global to Local: works to reduce health and social disparities in south King County, primarily in immigrant and refugee communities. 

Peacekeeper Society: provides life changing opportunities for indigenous people, but striving to serve everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, color, enrollment or immigration status.  

Early Childhood Education 

Communities of Rooted Brilliance: embracing traditional customs and values, CRB provides newcomers with community-inspired educational opportunities that create pathways for self-determination as they weave into the fabric of their newfound home.  

Voices Of Tomorrow: preserves immigrant & refugee children’s identity through culturally responsive child-focused programs. 

Reproductive Justice & Maternal Health 

Foundation for Youth Resiliency and Engagement: advocates for equitable opportunities that allow youth to thrive.  

Ttáwaxt Birth Justice Center: reduces infant and maternal mortality by nurturing a healthy birthing community grounded in Indigenous ancestral knowledge. 

Next Steps 

The WaWF membership will vote to determine which organizations will receive a $100,000 Collective Grant. The three organizations that are not selected will receive a $25,000 Merit Award. All six organizations will also be offered an optional $5,000 Leadership and Self-Care grant.  

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Merit Awardees 

The following organizations were considered in the Conversations Phase of the grant process but will not advance to the Ballot Phase. In recognition of their investment in our grant process they have been awarded a $3,000 Merit Award. As wonderful organizations doing important work in our community, we hope that you will learn more about them and consider supporting them individually!  

Food Sovereignty & Security 

Alimentando al Pueblo: promotes healing through comunidad, comida, and celebración. (community, food, and celebration) 

Black Farmers Collective: builds a Black-led food system by developing a cooperative network of food system actors, acquiring and stewarding land, facilitating food system education, and creating space for Black liberation in healing and joy.  

FEEST (Food Empowerment Education & Sustainability Team) : trains youth of color and working-class youth to build collective power and organize for transformative and systemic change in their schools.  

Early Childhood Education 

Denise Louie Education Center: promotes school and life readiness by providing multicultural early learning services to children and families, especially those who need our services the most.  

East African Community Services: inspires refugee and immigrant families to succeed from cradle to career and beyond. 

First Five Years & Beyond: provides parents with the tools skills and resources to support their children in early education and beyond. 

Reproductive Justice & Maternal Health 

Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services: envisions healthy Indigenous babies being born into healthy Indigenous families being supported by healthy Indigenous communities.  

Open Arms Perinatal Services: Provides community-based support during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting to nurture strong foundations that last a lifetime. 

Perinatal Support Washington: shines a light on perinatal mental health to support all families and communities.