The Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund Awards over $200k in Social Change Grants

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

The Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund Awards over $200k in Social Change Grants

(Melville, April 25, 2023)– The advisory committee of the Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund (LIUUF) has approved eight grants totaling $205,000. The latest grants support timely efforts to advance progressive social change, like an arts program to empower Latino immigrant youth, protect the culture and identity of our Island’s indigenous tribes, and more.

“The Fund advisors are proud to support these valued organizations that initiate and facilitate programs supporting grassroots organizing, leadership development, and community advocacy efforts,” says Marian Russo, Chair of the LIUUF Advisory Committee. “This work is critical to protecting, empowering, and amplifying the voices of our neighbors who are often furthest from justice and opportunity.”

Descriptions of the grants are listed below:

BEND THE ARC – A JEWISH PARTNERSHIP FOR JUSTICE $25,000 to organize allies to advance parole justice, criminal justice reform, and building a multiracial democracy.

BUTTERFLY EFFECT PROJECT $25,000 to instill confidence in girls and empower them to connect with the land and access fresh food.

CENTRO CORAZON DE MARIA $20,000 for a leadership development and advocacy training program for Latina immigrants.

LATINO JUSTICE PRLDEF $25,000 for legal advocacy supporting Latino immigrants on Long Island.

OLA OF EASTERN LONG ISLAND $30,000 to advocate for state and local policies that protect the rights of and benefit Latino immigrants.

PADOQUOHAN MEDICINE LODGE $30,000 to protect the culture and identity of the Shinnecock Nation and other Indian tribes.

TEATRO EXPERIMENTAL YERBABRUJA $25,000 for a social justice arts program to empower Latino immigrant youth and promote an inclusive school environment.

THE ADVOCACY INSTITUTE $25,000 for legislative advocacy training and capacity building on Long Island.

The Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund is a field-of-interest fund in the Long Island Community Foundation that promotes progressive social change. The fund was established by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock. Grants are made in response to competitive proposals received from Long Island nonprofit organizations. The proposals are reviewed by LICF staff and presented to an advisory committee, composed of members drawn from Unitarian Universalist congregations across Long Island.