In the Spirit of Generous Community

photo by Nick Fewings Unsplash

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

~ William Arthur Ward

Over the years, the identification of a neighbor has changed significantly. In Pittsburgh PA, for example, over the past eighty months, property values have increased in several communities by 217%; forcing resilient people out of communities they’ve lived in for most of their life. Such dramatic population shifts warrant a new approach to understanding our neighbors.

Notwithstanding, during the past twenty-six months, because of COVID-19, neighborhoods have been dramatically impacted by physical distancing and social isolation. During the onset of COVID in Pittsburgh, professionals grew concerned about the disproportionate COVID testing in communities of color. Early on COVID had a 3 to 1 impact on POC and death rates.

A group of concerned professional stakeholders pushed public officials to address the disparity in the testing of communities of color given the disproportionate COVID impact on citizens.

Twenty-six months later this group of stakeholders evolved to create the Black Equity Coalition. A group of doctors, epidemiologists, researchers, community leaders, and philanthropists focused on ensuring community residents’ needs because of COIVD are being addressed adequality.



Today the BEC has cultivated an integrated Hub and Spoke model that seeks to build new and vibrant ecosystems through a cross-sectorial partnership driven by community ambassadors. The BEC is a coalition builder focused on optimizing existing resources to better serve the community, while concurrently executing a gap analysis to discern what’s needed.

Art for the Spirit

Resources and Tools for Equity

Brightspots

Join the Conversation

Chromatic Black presents a masterclass with Award Winning Screenwriter Christine Swanson hosted by Morehouse Film Festival in Atlanta on Saturday, December 10th from 9 - 5 PM EST.

Register: http://bit.ly/3ToCkEe

Time-sensitive opportunity

HHS is seeking written comments for Healthy People 2030, focused on the addition of a new core objective – Social Determinants of Health-NEW-07: Increase the proportion of the voting age citizens who vote. To aid in this effort please see the linked template letter you can use as a starting point. This will contain the evidence necessary to make the case that voter participation meets the criteria for a core objective. 

If you have any questions or would like additional support submitting a comment letter, please reach out to our partners at Healthy Democracy Healthy People at Gnora@hdhp.us.   

Public comments must be submitted to HP2030Comment@hhs.gov no later than December 2, 2022.  

Funding Opportunities

Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation: Social Justice Grants Initiative (Wisconsin)

Type: Foundation

Due Date: Rolling

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview:  The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation awards grants in four focus areas:

• Human needs grants that support increased food security, housing and shelter, and access to basic medical and health care.
• Environmental stewardship grants to protect natural resources and help non-profit organizations make efficient use of energy.
• Education grants to develop the capacity of the future workforce, especially in STEM and energy fields.
• Community vitality grants to foster an appreciation of diversity, revitalize neighborhoods and ensure a vibrant community life through support of cultural endeavors.

Most grants are in the $1,000 to $15,000 range, while higher amounts may be awarded when a program is an exceptional fit with corporate business.

Coca-Cola: Community Support

Type: Foundation

Due Date: Rolling

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview: The purpose of this program is to support nonprofit organizations with sustainable community initiatives of interest to the funding agency. Supported community initiatives may involve activities pertaining to water projects, women’s empowerment, community recycling, general well-being, and entrepreneurship.

Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples: Flicker Fund

(All applications must be submitted by Indigenous Peoples)

Type: Foundation

Due Date: 12/07/2022

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview:  FLICKER FUND provides support to Crisis Impacted Indigenous Communities and Nations. The Flicker Fund Program responds to already vulnerable and stressed Indigenous communities on the frontlines of climate-caused crises and emergencies. It responds to critical needs ranging from the diverse and varying impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic and its rippling effects to climate fires and drought, as well as other disasters that devastate Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations and that impact their ability to live healthy, safe, and vibrant lives.