Partnership, in its many forms, is infused throughout Meyer’s program strategy. One way this shows up is in how we weave in grant dollars to support our partnership work to strengthen the broader nonprofit and philanthropic fields.
Meyer’s May grant awards, totaling $93,650, include some excellent examples of the ways in which our grantmaking supports our partnerships, collaborations and sector connections. They also reflect the understanding of our founder, Fred Meyer, that when given thoughtfully, even small amounts of money can accomplish great things. As you can see, each May grant award is $26,000 or less.
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In late May, a packed room of folks from social justice organizations and funders (including Meyer staff) convened to take stock of the changed political environment and to explore ways we can work together to strengthen our community’s capacity for justice. Somewhat unique in its formation, the event was co-created by a small group of nonprofits, Meyer and other partnering funders. Meyer was pleased to provide Western States Center, which served as a key event organizer, with a small grant of $1,750 to help support the logistical costs of the gathering. We are looking forward to the next steps as the partnership moves toward action!
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We are also excited that, for the first time, Meyer is providing grant support ($12,000) to the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), an organization that is known for its social justice leadership and advocacy and specifically for pushing philanthropy to do more for those who are marginalized, underserved and disenfranchised.
- NCRP is a strong proponent of grantmaking practices that resonate with Meyer’s values and funding approach: dedicating a significant percentage of funding to strengthen marginalized communities; making multi-year grants; offering operating support and capacity building grants; funding advocacy, organizing and civic engagement; demonstrating transparency in disclosing information; and paying out more than the standard 5 percent of foundation assets in grants. In fact, its research and recommendations to philanthropy were a meaningful resource during Meyer’s recent organizational redesign. As the importance of NCRP’s work and message are elevated within the current political context, we are especially pleased to join its network of philanthropic supporters to influence the field of philanthropy.
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And speaking of advocacy, grantmaking practices and convening, we are grateful to be partnering with Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington, the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and the Alliance for Justice (AFJ) to build the capacity of nonprofits and funders to engage in policy advocacy through workshops in the fall. As Meyer has increased its work in the advocacy space — both through our grantmaking and amplifying our voice in support of issues we care about — we have appreciated the excellent guidance and resources that AFJ offers. If you are not familiar with AFJ or want to deepen your organization’s engagement in systems change, I encourage you to check out their Bolder Advocacy initiative (that’s right - they offer free technical assistance! And services in Spanish!). And look for the upcoming Nonprofit Association of Oregon and Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington workshops. We are thrilled to once again help bring AFJ to Oregon through this $7,500 grant.
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Finally, I want to highlight a $26,000 grant awarded to Rural Organizing Project to support the efforts of rural communities to defend and protect immigrants and refugees impacted by deportation activities. This grant was made as part of the new Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative, which addresses critical and time-sensitive issues facing immigrants and refugees. Organizations can apply through Meyer, MRG Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation and The Collins Foundation using this shared application. You can learn more about this innovative collaborative and why funders decided to work so closely together in Sally Yee’s blog and Kimberly Wilson’s interview with the participating funders.
Over the coming months, we will continue to share about our programmatic work, grantmaking and beyond. In the meantime, you can find a list of our May grant awards on this PDF.