In 2016 the Elias Foundation continued to focus its support on the development of grassroots activist leaders in the Lower Hudson Valley. Some small organizational grants were given to long-term grantees who are committed to the pursuit of systemic change for social justice and whose work empowers grassroots leaders.
Leaders
In 2016 the Elias foundation continued the individual support of activist leaders known to the social justice community in Westchester. Over $26,000 was spent in support of the following leaders and their cohorts: Lamont Badru, Cornel Carelock, Tarin Gonzalez, Marcela Levine and Juanita Lewis. This support includes paying for college fees, equipment, books, coaching, travel and registration for conferences and trainings.
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 Governance & Development Council
Yonkers, NY $78,100
www.CGDCNY.org
This general operating support is given in honor of Lamont Badru, CGDC’s founder and a grassroots leader in our development program. This support included $10,000 direct support for the CGDC cadet program and $2,000 for the Books and Breakfast program. Elias has supported CGDC since 2012.
Community Voices Heard
Yonkers, NY $10,000
www.cvhaction.org
This is the first of a five-year grant in general support of CVH’s organizing in Westchester. Elias has supported CVH since 2004.
Freedom Food Alliance (FFA) and the Victory Bus Project
Westchester, NY $50,000
This is a general operating grant in support of an alliance that supports black farmers and small sustainable farms and the Victory Bus Project, which offers family-oriented rides to local correctional facilities. This organizational grant is made in honor of Jalal Sabur, a grassroots leader in our development program who co-founded this alliance.
Hudson Valley Community Coalition
Hudson Valley Area, NY $50,000
www.hvccoalition.net
This one-time grant continues general support and sustainability of this organization 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.
Westchester Children's Association, Inc.
Mount Vernon and White Plains, NY $10,000
www.wca4kids.org
This is the first of a five-year grant in general support. Elias has supported WCA since 2007.
2016 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.