21st Century Foundation Asks: Where are We 5 Years Later?
Five years later Twenty-First Century Foundation's (21CF) support of the indomitable people of the Gulf Coast is unwavering thanks to the generosity of our equally committed donors.
21CF, a champion of Black philanthropy to create strategic and systemic change, answered by creating the GOAL Initiative - Gulf Coast Organizing, Advocacy, and Leadership Initiative (formerly the Hurricane Katrina Recovery Initiative) which provides targeted grants focused on relief, recovery, and rebuilding. Within 10 days, the first grants were distributed. This was possible due in part to 21CF's network of past and present grantees and allies in the South.
Even now, five years later, it is difficult to fathom the recompense for the loss of human life and the disintegration of homes, memories and spirits that have afflicted hundreds of thousands of people who are predominately Black and poor. However, thanks to your investment in GOAL, the fund has made more than $4 million in general support grants to Black-led community organizations engaged in community organizing, public policy advocacy and leadership development along the Gulf Coast around issues of education, health and reproductive justice, community-based economic development, and housing. Just a sample of their achievements:
• Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children (FFLIC) won an overhaul of the statewide indigent defense system, including the creation of a position dedicated to improving juvenile defense
• Steps Coalition for South Mississippi Gulf Coast Recovery has insisted that recovery efforts address the needs of renters and residents of low-income communities; until Steps' involvement, these constituencies had been largely excluded from such support. Steps' advocacy increased by almost one-third the amount of recovery assistance available to low-income families.
• Equity and Inclusion Campaign has brought dozens of Gulf Coast advocates together with Senate and House leaders, winning new co-sponsors to legislation that ensures that Gulf Coast priorities are addressed in federal appropriations.
21CF remains committed to this region, and by investing in strong organizations and leaders 21CF is helping Black communities of the Gulf Coast gain a voice in policy-making by fortifying their political clout, financial resources, organized advocacy, and local leadership.
To that end, in recognition of the fifth anniversary, beginning tomorrow, and twice a week throughout the month of August, 21CF, under the heading "Eyes on the Gulf: Five years after Katrina" will share a story either from or about one of our grantees from the Gulf Coast.
Please know that although time has moved on, the need for your financial support remains.
With gratitude,
Erica Hunt
President
Julia Beatty
GOAL Program Officer
http://21cf.org/
To make your online donation to 21CF click here or give us a call at 212-662-3700.
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