Community Voices Have The Power To Change

credit: Hormones Matter

"We heard stories of struggle, but also voices filled with pride and spirit, that despite all odds continue to push forward and challenge deeply rooted systems of inequity."

That's what the community of Oak Park, Ill., in western Cook County says it wants to see happen in a new report on racial equity, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation partnered with the Nova Collective, a women's-owned, Black-owned consultancy in Oak Park, to conduct focus groups and conversations on racial equity; participants included "people who have not historically been invited into such conversations, along with community leaders and frontline staff from grassroots organizations serving those in need," the foundation says in a press release.

The report, which can be downloaded atoprfcf.org, outlines the top 10 racial equity priorities for the foundation's nine-county service area, which includes parts of Chicago's West Side.

Those priorities include ending hunger, improving health and education, addressing homelessness, and creating more affordable housing.

"All of these needs intersect and interrelate in a person's daily life," the press release says.

"We view the report as a beginning, a spark to galvanize not just the Foundation and nonprofit sector, but to inspire local government, schools and the community at large."

Read the Entire Article

A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.

How's Your Community Doing?
Check Out it's
Community Vital Signs

Glacier Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank Award $190K to Montana Nonprofits
Foundation: Whitefish Community Foundation

"Through our collective efforts, we're not just providing financial support, but we're investing in Montana's vitality and resilience." That from Mike Smith, president of Glacier Bank, which...more

Starting with Place

If you're looking for a way to boost your community's sense of place, researchers at Gustavson University in Sweden have just the thing. They've developed a set of five principles that community...more

Entrepreneur Seri Roth to Launch an Online Directory and Community for Lgbtq+ Businesses

Seri Roth is an entrepreneur "with a passion for empowering communities and fostering positive change," according to her website. She's just launched Boston Queers, an online directory and...more

International Storytelling Center Names New Executive Director

The new president of the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tenn., says he'll bring a "keen appreciation for the arts and Appalachian history" to the job, the Knoxville News Sentinel...more

10+ Can'T-Miss Houston Business and Innovation Events for April

Google is teaming up with Rice University to create a Houston-area startup accelerator, the Houston Chronicle reports. The accelerator will focus on the "Internet of Things," with a particular...more

Climate Tech + Community = A Winning Housing Strategy for Nola?

"We want homes that last longer than eight to 10 years," says Avra van der Zee, COO of Hawaii-based nonprofit Elemental Excelerator, which has teamed up with New Orleans' Finance New Orleans to...more

Power of One Initiative Unveils Transformative Agenda in Enugu Conference

When Jude Chinedu heard Chisimdi Okoh talk about how he wanted to change the world, he thought it would be a good idea to do something about it. And so he founded the Power of One Initiative, a...more

Geeta Pradhan: Inspired by Everyday Struggling People, She Leads $60 Million Endowment ...
Foundation: Boston Foundation, Cambridge Community Foundation

Geeta Pradhan is the president of the Cambridge Community Foundation in Massachusetts, and in 2024 she'll become the state's outstanding woman of the year. That's thanks to her work to fight...more

Secu Foundation Welcomes 16 Non-Profits to Mission Development Grant Program With ...

"We are seeing positive, tangible outcomes for grant recipients working to boost their capacity and impact for programs and services that are vital to those in need." Those are the words of the...more

Regions Foundation Grants To Support Louisiana Small-Business Ecosystem

"Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and when we invest in their success, we're investing in a stronger economy and quality of life, benefiting people across the region." So says...more