Congratulations to our longtime partners California Black Freedom Fund as they mark a significant new chapter as a permanent, independent institution! Now officially the Black Freedom Fund (BFF), they are now California’s first Black community foundation and the largest pooled fund in the U.S. for Black-serving organizations. We’re proud to continue working with them to build a future rooted in dignity, safety, opportunity, and power. Read more in this article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy and check out their new website here.
In San Diego’s Mid-City, refugees from countries like Myanmar, Somalia, and Afghanistan have rebuilt their lives, transforming the area into a vibrant community. However, rising real estate prices are now forcing many into housing insecurity. “We collected data showing that refugee families experience housing insecurity and unemployment rates three times the county’s average,” said Ramla Sahid (she/her), Founder and Executive Director of Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) in this op-ed for Candid where she details how PANA and other community organizations launched the Global Village: a community-owned development to provide affordable housing, business opportunities, and cultural spaces for refugees and immigrants. The project emboldens refugees as co-creators of a thriving neighborhood, blending cultural heritage with long-term wealth building and shared governance. Read the full story here.
Our longtime partners at Akonadi Foundation have opened applications for the 2025 So Love Can Win Fund. For 25 years, Akonadi has been a driving force for racial justice in Oakland, championing the vision and work of organizers, storytellers, culture bearers, and healers. This year, the fund will award up to $400,000 in grants to projects that foster belonging, strengthen collaboration, and create spaces for collective action. Applications are now open and will be accepted through August 5, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
We’d also like to congratulate our partners at the Black Collective Foundation MN for receiving the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and the MeetStandards® seal from the Charities Review Council. These recognitions highlight their commitment to transparency and long-term community impact. Read more about their Rooted and Radiant Juneteenth gathering in this piece from Minnesota Spokesman Recorder and read more about their recent initiatives here.
A surge in aggressive and cruel ICE raids, backed by a record $170 billion enforcement budget and even military support, has swept through U.S. cities like Los Angeles, targeting undocumented people regardless of criminal history. “These people are not criminals — they’re coming here to work and provide for their families,” said Ahisary, a member of We Are California, who shared her experience with international readership at Financial Times. “It makes no sense. They all pay taxes.” Read more here.