We’re excited to announce the Amalgamated Foundation’s first round of 2019 direct grants, totaling $370,000. These grants support power building strategies that impact issues of fundamental injustice and inequality at the heart of today’s public dialogue: workers’ rights & the new economy, climate & sustainability, and democracy & justice.
After nearly 100 years of giving back to the progressive and labor movements that have built Amalgamated Bank, the Amalgamated Foundation is now answering the call of community organizations and movement leaders to be a stronger, more meaningful grantmaking partner. By providing general operating support to aligned community and movement organizations, the Foundation is stepping up to fully leverage the legacy and mission of Amalgamated Bank in support of social change. This grantmaking strategy marks a new moment for Amalgamated as we commit to a greater focus on impact in our charitable giving.
The Foundation is supporting power building strategies for systems change across three key areas of impact rooted in changing fundamental injustice and inequality: climate & sustainability, democracy & justice, and workers’ rights & the new economy.
Workers’ Rights and the New Economy
These grants focus on building worker power in a rapidly changing economy and supporting innovative entrepreneurship. Jobs with Justice and Partnership for Working Families are organizing to advocate for policies that support equity and access to benefits for low-wage workers. The New York Neighborhood First Fund supports anti-gentrification policy and worker housing throughout New York City. Grants to BALLE and the Ujima Project will assist entrepreneurs of color.
Climate and Sustainability
We are investing in bold and creative clean energy solutions to benefit those hit first and worst by climate change. Solar United Neighbors will support local organizing around state level solar policy. Climate Justice Alliance will bring over-impacted and under-represented voices into crucial policy conversations, like the Green New Deal.
Democracy and Justice
Our strategy for strengthening democracy integrates supporting structural reforms with organizing for racial, gender, and immigrant justice. Demos is developing some of the latest policy solutions. The Movement Cooperative is delivering technological innovations to the field of organizing. Groundswell Fund, Center for Community Change, United We Dream, Color of Change will help organize under-represented communities to support policy actions and register and vote.