Having spent down the major part of its endowment in 2014, the Elias Foundation focused its support in 2015 on the development of grassroots activist leaders in the Lower Hudson Valley. Organizational grants (see below) were given to long-term grantees who continue to be committed to the pursuit of systemic change for social justice and whose work empowers grassroots leaders.
Leaders
In 2015 the Elias foundation began individual support of leaders known to the social justice community. A preliminary total of $25,000 was spent in support of these leaders.
Organizations
These grants aim to support the development and sustainability of the grassroots leaders whose work is central to the organization. The list also includes some larger, tie-off general support grants to organizations that have received long-term support from Elias.
Community Voices Heard
Yonkers, NY $100,000
www.cvhaction.org
This one-time grant continues support for an organizer and a Spanish-speaking organizer for outreach to residents of Yonkers' low-income housing projects to advocate for their unmet needs. Elias has supported CVH since 2004.
Hudson Valley Community Coalition
Hudson Valley Area, NY $50,000
www.hvccoalition.net
This one-time grant continues general support of this organization’s building communities that foster social justice and cultural awareness, working with immigrants, emphasizing advocacy, leadership development and community organizing. Elias has supported HVCC since 2009.
Parent Leadership Institute / Ossining Union Free School District
Ossining, NY $10,000
www.ossiningufsd.org
This is the ninth year Elias has supported the Parent Leadership Institute, an innovative program developed by the public school system, involving minority parents in the life of their children’s schools through service leadership and social justice organizing.
Steppin' Up Yonkers
Yonkers, NY $20,000 (matching)
www.steppinupyonkers.org
This one-time matching grant continues support for a project focusing on the empowerment of Yonkers’ communities. Elias supported this effort since 2010.
Westchester Women’s Agenda
Westchester, NY $20,000 (matching)
This one-time matching grant is in general support of the Westchester Women’s Agenda Internship Program.
WESPAC Foundation
White Plains, NY $250,000
www.wespac.org
This is a tie-off grant in support of WESPAC. We made this final gift in support of the inspiring work they are doing to strengthen movement building and youth leadership in Westchester.
2015 Other Support
Community Design
Support to organizations to cover the cost of printed materials that were developed by community design students at SUNY Purchase College. Elias has been supporting organizations taking part in this program since 2008.