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2024 Environmental Justice Nominees
| Organization Name | Organization's Website | Why are you nominating this organization? | How do you feel this organization is making a difference? Can you provide an example? | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Frontlines | https://amazonfrontlines.org | I am nominating Amazon Frontlines because it is holistically supporting Indigenous peoples as they expand protection for millions of hectares of mega-biodiverse and climate-critical rainforest territories that are currently facing mounting environmental threats, including big oil, mining, logging, monocrop palm plantations and cattle ranching. We are in a crucial moment of risk and opportunity in the Upper Amazon, and are in deed of support to scale our partnerships with a growing number of Indigenous communities on the ground across Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. | Amazon Frontlines is working day by day to heal centuries of harm to communities and the environment by ensuring that Indigenous nations can reclaim and protect their lands, and thrive in their cultures. In November 2023, our lawyers worked side-by-side with Siekopai communities to achieve a historic victory to reclaim land title to over 42,000 hectares of primary rainforest in the eastern Ecuadorian Amazon. This land is known to the Siekopai as Pë’këya, and is their sacred ancestral homeland of central importance to their physical, cultural and spiritual life ways. We are currently supporting their communities to recover this ancestral territory, and to develop comprehensive long-term plans for territorial defense, land-management and the protection of its unique biodiversity. This is just one example, amongst dozens, from the last year that highlight the impact that Amazon Frontlines is having as we deepen our committed partnerships across the headwaters of the Amazon rainforest. | |||
| Apparent Winds | https://apparentwinds.org/ | I am nominating Apparent Winds because I believe we need more compelling and accessible science communication and storytelling that can effectively highlight local stories and stories about communities being part of the solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. We need stories that inspire hope, pride of place, and local agency. And we need to provide more opportunities for young researchers, advocates, and storytellers to get out on the water near their home so that they can better access and advocate for the places and species that they love. | Apparent Winds not only serves as an affordable and versatile platform for scientific research, they also serve the equally important role of connecting audiences around the world with the ocean, the life within it, and the communities that rely on a healthy ocean for their future. While chartering space on board for researchers working on whale migrations, marine protected areas, oceanographic and climate studies, and biodiversity studies of areas like the Hudson Canyon and New England Sea Mounts, the team behind Apparent Winds produces high quality videos and media aimed at elevating the stories of local people, local issues, and stewardship. Their vessel is named Resilience because through storytelling and education, they hope to assist island and coastal communities around the world in creating a resilient future for themselves and the ecosystems they live alongside. | |||
| Black Girl Environmentalist | https://blackgirlenvironmentalist.org/ | I am nominating Black Girl Environmentalist because they are building community for frontlines and marginalized women while also addressing climate issues that impact them directly. Black women and gender-expansive individuals are undeniably vital agents of change for this planet, however, they are often missing or barred from the proverbial table. Black Girl Environmentalist works in 3 programmatic areas to nurture the next generation of Black women and gender-expansive climate leaders: 1. Education and narrative strategy that center the lived experiences and expertise of BGEs; 2. Direct resourcing, skills sharing, and mentorship to early career BGEs. 3. Broader community building via multi city HUBs that facilitate opportunities for BGEs to build community & advocate for change in their local communities. | BGE is making a difference by moving tangible resources to young Black Girl Environmentalists (BGEs); cultivating a physical and digital community; and changing the narrative of what environmentalism or an environmentalist looks like. In 2023, we hosted the first annual BIPOC Green Career Summit, a day-long event that brought together 100+ young professionals and students of color across multiple environmental sectors and connected them with skills sharing programming and networking opportunities with a diverse selection of employers to advance their careers. Attendees came from various Hub cities and connected with not only each other but recruiters, professors, climate companies and organizations. At least 4 people received full time job offers from attending this event. There were several panels, fireside chats, and workshops on salary negotiation, network building, LinkedIn prep, conflict resolution, etc. There is an immediate need for spaces like this for BGEs and the amount of support and excitement surrounding our programming and people doing adjacent work emphasizes that. BGE is committed to building pathways and material support for Black women, girls, and gender expansive people within the environmental and climate spaces that may not otherwise have them. | Confirmed fiscal sponsorship | ||
| Black in Environment | https://www.blackinenviron.org/ | Black in Environment is a Black-led organization that launched in January 2021 on the heels of the U.S. Black resistance uprisings in 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic to build a collective, global community for Black folks in environmental spaces. Since then, it has grown into an organization that addresses systemic racism in academia, professional spaces, and environmental decision-making by cultivating an intergenerational community of and providing resources for Black environmentalists advocating for environmental and climate justice as well as equity in environmental education and careers. | Black in Environment is making a difference by empowering Black environmentalists and fostering community and networking opportunities across the traditional boundaries of academia, industry, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations to advance inclusion in environmental fields, diversify the environmental workforce, and build interdisciplinary and intersectoral partnerships to address environmental and climate justice issues. For example, its core programming is #BlackInEnvironWeek during Earth Week. This past April, Black in Environment held its first in-person conference at Howard University. Rooted in environmental justice principles, the convening was co-designed by participants. Intergenerational presenters provided panels, skills and wellness workshops, such as foraging, centering community engagement, African-centered climate education, Razing Liberty Square film screening, and dismantling whiteness in green spaces. The conference concluded with an outdoor service day at a local organization's community farm and wellness space. Also, attendees were connected with employment opportunities. Moving forward, Black in Environment will hold its conference at a different HBCU each year. Throughout the year, Black in Environment hosts outdoor, service, professional development and community-building events to continue to empower and resource Black environmentalists and advance environmental and climate justice. | |||
| Brightline Defense | https://www.brightlinedefense.org/ | Brightline is an environmental justice nonprofit that bridges policy advocacy and on-the-ground partnerships to promote sustainability and opportunity in frontline communities. | Brightline released a first-of-its-kind report studying climate change impacts upon tenants living in some of the nation’s densest and poorest housing conditions. | |||
| Cafeteria Culture | https://cafeteriaculture.org | Cafeteria Culture (CafCu) is a BIPOC, woman-led environmental education organization reducing school food and plastic waste in New York City public schools. Their commitment to environmental justice, building student leadership and advocacy skills in Title 1 schools, and increasing access to the outdoors by partnering with community compost sites makes them a perfect fit for Climate Ride’s Environmental Justice Grant. Using cafeterias as climate action and education hubs, CafCu conducts low-cost, scalable waste reduction pilots with their students who collect data, create videos and outreach materials, take on leadership roles, talk with decision-makers, and catalyze systemic change across the New York City public school system. CafCu directly serves over 1,000 students annually from marginalized communities of color, living primarily in shelters and public housing. Working closely with the New York City Department of Education, CafCu and their students have successfully advocated to remove styrofoam trays and reduce single-use plastics from school cafeterias through the Plastic Free Lunch Day campaign. They are now working to scale up their Mindful Choice Meals initiative at nine schools this year (up from two in 2023) reducing and diverting food waste to community composting sites and increasing consumption in cafeterias. These initiatives connect school cafeterias to the environment, setting them up to become climate action hubs. | Cafeteria Culture (CafCu) is changing students’ lives by providing them with climate, art, advocacy, and media education not otherwise available in public schools in New York City. The process and results of CafCu’s programs set the course to expand and scale these initiatives and their student-led victories. Through these successes, partner students gain faith in their efforts to change the system for the better, engendering a lifetime of civic engagement. CafCu is leading systemic change nationwide, reducing plastic and food waste and educating about waste justice in schools. The Plastic Free Lunch Day (PFLD) program expanded from one partner school in Red Hook, Brooklyn to 750 public elementary schools in New York City and 53 school districts, 323 schools, and 32 nonprofits and government agencies nationwide. This has amounted to an estimated 13.2 million plastic items eliminated in New York City across 16 now-monthly PFLDs in 2023, and 4.8 million plastic items eliminated in 2 PFLDs nationwide. A pilot of the Mindful Choice Meals initiative that will be expanded this year reduced 65% of untouched food waste and increased food consumption by 46% for students in grades K-5. | |||
| Cape Cod Center for Sustainability | https://bankofnature.eco/ | Unique, timely, transformative work to transform the economy toward climate security | We sponsor legislation (SB 1644 in MA) and drive unique litigation (to be public in late summer/fall). We are identifying existing money to address the climate crisis (and its downstream social ills) that is available but misplaced in the current economy. When we are successful, $30T+ will be diverted to future-benign enterprise. In that way, we see divestment as a transition strategy toward our fiduciary economy. | |||
| Carolina Ocean Alliance | https://www.carolinaoceanalliance.org/ | We believe that to heal our world, and our communities in the process, we must see ourselves as a part of this world rather than apart from it. To do this, the Carolina Ocean Alliance reimagines the idea of "community" through the ecological definition, of all interconnected life in a common area, sustaining and supporting the whole of the community through diverse and complex relationships and roles. Through a systems-based approach to community stewardship, education, and collaboration, we seek to foster hope that comes from the agency to be the change our neighbors want to see in their communities. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit that advances community-driven solutions through strategic coalitions of our partners, develops the next generation of leaders, and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship. We believe in the power of partnerships led by local people and guided by local and traditional knowledge to promote equitable, reciprocal, and sustainable solutions where each individual and organization has a role and that collaboration is necessary to promote a resilient and regenerative community. | Our core program is The Hope Summit. The Hope Summit is an annual ideas and solutions summit held in Charleston, South Carolina featuring a conference, outdoor community festival, and a variety of other engaging programs like a film festival, blue mind field day, youth advocacy training, and citizen science mixers. We believe in the importance of a bottom-up approach that prioritizes local voices, local knowledge, and community co-governance in the interconnected efforts to create a regenerative future for our local communities and for our planet. By giving ordinary people agency to shape the future they want for themselves, their families, and their communities, we can create a vibrant future fueled by hope. The impacts of The Hope Summit extend beyond just one weekend per year. Through the Next Generation Fund and the Hope Summit Works Fund, we support community-driven solutions in our region and develop young leaders from around the world. To transform our world through community-driven solutions, we must invest in the emerging leaders and stewards of communities. At The Hope Summit, we are committed to developing and accelerating young emerging leaders through mentorship, workshops, equitable access, community, and scholarships for 100 students and early career professionals to receive fully-sponsored Conference Passes. Funds for The Hope Summit Next Generation Fund are raised annually from ticket sales and donations to The Hope Summit and generous support by our partners like the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. To transform our world through community-driven solutions, we must also invest in community infrastructure and education. Through the Carolina Ocean Alliance, The Hope Summit organizers partner with community leaders, small non-profits, educators, and local stewards to partner with on a few projects per year with costs ranging up to $1000. These funds are raised annually from ticket sales and donations at The Hope Summit and from generous support by our partners. The first recipient of The Hope Summit works fund is The MARSH Project, a grassroots and community-based program working to revitalize and advocate for the unique marshland ecosystems in Charleston. Over the last year, the Carolina Ocean Alliance and The MARSH Project have engaged the community through native species landscaping demonstration gardens, litter sweeps, water quality testing, arts programs, school programs, and a neighborhood history project including an historical marker for Halsey Creek. We are also developing an ecological restoration and environmental justice project with them to extend an ecological corridor between two urban tidal creeks that will include pocket parks, rain gardens, native planting in municipal right-of-ways, hydrological enhancements, and more accessible and welcoming green space for economically depressed neighborhoods around Newmarket Creek. For neighbors who rent or who don't have land to landscape, we will partner with a local native plant nursery to host a native potted plant workshop to help add connectivity for migratory corridors through the city. On a wider scale, we will adapt Bruce Willen's "Ghost Rivers" public installation art and walking tour from Baltimore into "Ghost Creeks" in order to raise awareness around the parts of the city that are on buried waterways, help residents foster resilience through landscaping and hydrology amendments, and advocate for resilient hydrophilic infrastructure. | |||
| Chesapeake Climate Action Network | https://chesapeakeclimate.org/ | The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the first grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Their mission is to build a diverse movement powerful enough to put our region on the path to climate stability, while using our proximity to the nation’s capital to inspire action in neighboring states, around the country, and across the world. They do all of this with equity and justice at the heart of their work. Their full equity statement can be found here: https://chesapeakeclimate.org/mission/. CCAN has had three equity goals in place since 2019: 1) recruitment, interviews, and hiring processes are fair, limit bias and unconscious bias as much as possible, and result in candidate pools that reflect the diversity of the region; 2) members of the CCAN team are well supported and valued, have a sense of belonging, and have organizational and individual goal clarity; and 3) provide education and training to CCAN staff, making them aware of the racial and equity dynamics in our society and region and incorporating DEI principles into their work. They have been doing extensive work on these goals including showing up for intersectional movements, creating internal equity task forces that now have nearly 100% staff participation, and more. More recently, CCAN added a fourth goal to integrate equity and justice goals into their strategic and campaign planning. Some examples of recent campaign goals with equity in mind include a goal to: 1) close, prevent, and clean up pollution sites that create environmental injustices to nearby communities; 2) make fossil fuel companies pay for damages of climate change to help affected communities adapt and recover; and 3) be intentional about getting environmental justice partners involved early on, to ensure all groups goals are aligned. | CCAN is making a difference at a local, state, and national level, across Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and federally. For example, at the local DC level, their Electrify DC Campaign is educating lower-income DC households, primarily in Wards 7 and 8, about the many benefits of electric heat, hot water and cooking that avoids using gas and other fossil fuels. They also provide practical information about how to begin the process of switching, and go into detail about the federal and local incentives that are available for switching now. CCAN created a ‘Power Up Your Home’ newsletter series to walk people step-by-step through the process of home electrification, and is now funding the production of a short film to walk residents through the process. At the state level for example, CCAN has been fighting fossil fuel infrastructure in Virginia. They were a part of the coalition that successfully stopped the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, and are now working on current and proposed fossil fuel projects in the state. They lead coalitions against the Virginia Reliability Project (VRP), and the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center (CERC). Tactics in support of these campaigns have included canvassing, petitions, writing OpEds, and holding comment parties, protests, and press conferences. CCAN’s opposition campaign against the CERC was so strong that Dominion Energy – the company that proposed the CERC – has now abandoned its initial site plan out of concern that the Board of Supervisors would reject the necessary zoning permits. At the national level, CCAN is pressuring the EPA to implement timely rules on curbing fossil fuel emissions. Knowing the EPA has been slow in issuing rules meant to clean up fossil fuels across the country, and knowing that minority communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, CCAN has been organizing their membership to ramp up pressure on the EPA to release these rules. CCAN’s members called the EPA over 1,000 times to strengthen the carbon pollution rule, and another 1,000 times when the proposed rule failed to cover existing gas plants. In April 2024, the final package of rules were released. | |||
| Chicago Muslims Green Team | https://chicagomuslimsgreenteam.org/ | I am nominating this organization because it has low funds currently despite all the work it is performing. This organization is in dire need of funds. Including current staff working without pay. | This organization is bringing all people together to discuss environmental justice while showcasing echo-friendly lifestyles. Most attention see through social media (instagram) @chicagomuslimsgreenteam.org | |||
| Climable, Inc | https://climable.org | Climable is a women-run and led organization based in Cambridge, MA. From their educational programs with young children to their innovative internship program with college students and to their work directly working with communities on ways to improve environmental justice, this organization deserves a nomination. Climable's goals are to increase energy democracy and climate resilience. | Climable has been working with community leaders in Chinatown (a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts that has poor air quality and access to clean energy). Engaging community in the decision to install a microgrid for times of emergency has been a substantial project and move to increase their participation in energy justice and help this neighborhood to be more resilient for when they truly need it. | |||
| Climate Generation | https://www.climategen.org | Because education and youth activism are solutions to the climate crisis and create pathways for environmental justice. | Climate Generation's work with educators from across North America (our network has more than 8,000 members) that includes monthly virtual workshops, community of practice style convenings to support application of practices in classrooms, and the Summer Institute for Climate Change Education are making impacts in the ability of educators to weave climate and environmental justice lessons into all grades and across all disciplines. Climate change education paves the way for young people to engage in developing solutions, aspiring to green energy and sustainability careers, and combat climate anxiety and grief. | |||
| Daily Acts | https://dailyacts.org/ | Daily Acts educates and empowers community members on ways to address the climate crisis at home. We install rain catchment and pollinator gardens at schools and community sites, provide climate resilient landscape transformations for low-income households in Petaluma, respond to devastating crises like record fires, floods and droughts, and educate neighbors on carbon sequestration, water conservation, sustainable gardening, and more. | Since 2002, Daily Acts has inspired positive environmental action, spread solutions and empowered youth and community leaders, becoming a widely respected and award-winning organization. Through the power of community education, working with government and a variety of partners, we’ve spread hands-on solutions to the climate crisis such as planting climate victory gardens, promoting water-saving practices, conserving resources and helping to enact bold water and climate policy for our region. Children, leaders and communities are overwhelmed by the growing devastation of more floods, fires, droughts, and heat waves across the planet. There is an urgent need to spread empowering, inspiring solutions and models far and wide. Since 2010, Daily Acts has worked in partnership with local agencies and a large team of volunteers to transform water wasting turf landscapes across Sonoma County into 37 public demonstration gardens, and sheet mulched 386,995 square feet of lawns. Combined, these gardens now save over 7 million gallons of water per year, while preventing stormwater runoff and growing food, medicine, habitat, and community. Projects have ranged from homes to parks, City Hall landscapes, community centers, low-income schools, churches and more. Through our tours, talks, workshops, installation events, and webinars (https://dailyacts.org/webinars/) we have educated and engaged over 78,000 people to date. Given our record and empowering educational message, with your support, Daily Acts can continue to be a significant catalyst for transformative action and leadership locally and beyond. | |||
| Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network | https://www.dbcfsn.org | The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) is a grassroots organization focused on building food sovereignty and environmental justice within Detroit, particularly Black communities in the city. DBCFSN was formed in February 2006 to address these oppressive realities and address food insecurity in Detroit’s Black community and to organize members of that community to play a more active leadership role in the local food security movement. It is our view that the most effective movements grow organically from the people whom they are designed to serve. Representatives of Detroit’s majority Black population must be in the leadership of efforts to foster food justice and food sovereignty in Detroit. While our specific focus is on Detroit’s Black community, we realize that improved policy and an improved localized food system and healthier natural environment is a benefit to all Detroit residents. DBCFSN employs community activism, alliance-building, and educational programs to address the systemic inequalities faced by Black communities in Detroit. Its roots are deeply intertwined with the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement. The organization operates under a framework of food sovereignty, guided by principles that recognize food as a human right, advocate for agrarian reform, protect and conserve natural resources, reorganize food trade and relations, and strive to end hunger while promoting peace, harmony and democracy. In September 2007, the Public Policy Committee of DBCFSN presented a draft of the Detroit Food Security Policy bill at their Harvest Festival. The Detroit City Council unanimously passed the bill on March 25, 2008. This legislation aims to create a comprehensive food system analysis database for the city, collect data on hunger and malnutrition, recommend alternative food systems such as urban agriculture, develop citizen education guidelines, and establish an emergency response plan for natural disasters. | Detroit’s urban agriculture movement began in the 1890s and has evolved into one of the strongest in the United States. The city now boasts the largest number of gardens and farms in the country, significantly influenced by initiatives like DBCFSN and Keep Growing Detroit. Over the past decade, the movement has grown from a handful of community gardens to approximately 2,400 gardens and farms, engaging nearly 60,000 residents by 2025. According to “Urban Agriculture in Detroit,” these urban farms and community gardens are revitalizing abandoned plots, generating hope, and improving residents’ health. The Food Access Research Atlas (FARA) designates Detroit as a low-income, low-food-access area. Classified as a food desert, 80% of residents rely on "fringe food" from fast food chains, liquor stores, and corner shops. To combat food insecurity, the city initiated the Detroit Agricultural Network (DAN) in 1997 and the Garden Resource Program in 2004, later renamed Keep Growing Detroit in 2013. The Detroit Food and Fitness Collaborative encompasses 40 organizations, including Keep Growing Detroit and the Detroit Food Justice Task Force, all working to ensure families have access to healthy, locally grown food and promoting healthier lifestyles. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urban agriculture is "part of a local food system where food is produced within an urban area and marketed to consumers within that area" (2021). DBCFSN has made a significant impact on sustainable growth in Detroit, evidenced by the expansion of its community sites and programs. D-Town Farm is one of many emerging farms and gardens—at least 2,400 and counting—contributing to the broader movement known as the greening of Detroit. This movement includes pedestrian-friendly greenways to promote biking and walking, tree plantings that transform vacant lots into lush green spaces, and developments along the city’s riverfront that create inviting, family-friendly areas. Another positive sign of Detroit's greening is the increase in bike lanes. In 2006, the city had just six miles of bike lanes; now, there are over 150 miles of designated bike lanes and shared lanes. Plans for further expansions are underway, including the introduction of stationary tool kits for cyclists to make on-the-go repairs. DBCFSN has also launched a 20-year project called the Detroit Food Commons, a 31,000-square-foot community development initiative in collaboration with Develop Detroit, Inc. This $22 million project, realized through funding from donations, grants, and loans, was built by Black-owned companies L.S. Brinker Construction and SDG Associates. The Detroit People’s Food Co-Op, a Black-led, community-owned grocery cooperative, operated and housed on the 1st floor of the food commons building, aims to improve access to healthy food and provide food education, governed democratically by its member-owners. DBCFSN’s urban farm, D-Town farm, provides fresh produce to the Food Co-op, daily. In addition to the co-op, DBCFSN has fostered the creation of the Detroit Black Land Fund, Food Warriors, Food n Flava, the Congo Beehive Coalition, and various Environmental Justice programs. The Co-op is a full-service grocery store housed within the Detroit Food Commons, a new development being spear-headed by the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and Develop Detroit. DPFC offers a variety of products including locally grown produce, groceries, baked goods, meats, fish, dairy, frozen foods, health and beauty items, beer, and wine. 80% of the store products are natural and organic, and 20% are clean-conventional. The DPFC also offers a deli and prepared foods department. In addition to the DPFC, the Detroit Food Commons houses incubator kitchens, a community meeting space, a banquet hall and offices, to further encourage community building, education, small business development and collaboration among owners, vendors, families and customers. These three institutions represent three significant roles in the Black food sovereignty ecosystem. The DBFLF assists Black growers in becoming more stable in their farm operations through technical assistance on land purchasing, infrastructure development and business operations. The DPFC, the cooperative grocery store, prioritizes purchasing from local, Black farmers to financially support the food production within the local food economy. This coordination, catalyzed by DBCFSN, creates a closed-loop economy where our food dollars and other resources can be continuously circulated in our community, generating the needed financial, social, cultural, political and natural wealth we need to be less dependent on the systems that extract from and exploit our community. This is our environmental justice work that is beholden to a climate justice framework. | |||
| Earth League International | https://www.earthleaginternational.org | "I am nominating Earth League International (ELI) because of its critical role in addressing environmental justice on a global scale. ELI is the first intelligence agency for the planet, dedicated to dismantling international criminal networks that fuel environmental destruction and wildlife trafficking. Their unique approach targets not just poachers or local actors but the high-level criminals orchestrating these operations, addressing the root causes of environmental crimes. With a focus on transnational network convergence, ELI connects environmental justice to broader human rights and social justice issues. Their work exposes the links between wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, shark finning, and other environmental crimes, and other serious problems like drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering. This holistic perspective strengthens environmental justice by dismantling systems that exploit both vulnerable ecosystems and marginalized communities. ELI’s operations across South America, Africa, Asia, and beyond have led to the arrest of key traffickers and ongoing investigations. Their intelligence work, in partnership with global law enforcement agencies, amplifies the impact of efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems, contributing to global environmental sustainability and social equity. Through their efforts, Earth League International embodies the essence of environmental justice, not just protecting the environment but ensuring that the exploitation of both nature and people is confronted at its core. Furthermore, the ELI team is small but mighty- the amount they have accomplished with such limited resources is truly astonishing!" At Earth League International, we focus on dismantling the top criminal networks behind wildlife trafficking and environmental destruction, targeting the masterminds behind these operations rather than just the ground-level poachers. Many of the regions where we operate, such as South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, lack the infrastructure and resources to combat these powerful criminal organizations on their own. By providing our intelligence and investigative expertise, we empower local communities and law enforcement to pursue environmental justice, protecting their natural resources and biodiversity from exploitation. Our work fills a critical gap, ensuring that even the most vulnerable ecosystems have a chance to thrive. I am a donor, volunteer Board member, and believe in the entire team and their mission | "Earth League International (ELI) is making a transformative difference through its ground-breaking environmental crime convergence paradigm. By connecting environmental crimes such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and shark finning to other serious crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, and money laundering, ELI has redefined the approach to combating environmental destruction. Their work highlights the deep interconnections between environmental and human exploitation, showcasing how tackling one issue can address broader systems of criminal activity. A prime example of their impact is their leadership in this area, which was recognized during the first-ever Environmental Crime Convergence Summit, organized by the newly established Wildlife and Environmental Crimes Unit (WECU) at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Washington, D.C. This invitation-only summit brought together key stakeholders from U.S. federal agencies, global law enforcement, academia, and NGOs to discuss the overlap between environmental crimes and other serious criminal networks. ELI’s pioneering use of professional intelligence and data-driven analysis in identifying these linkages has been instrumental. Their collaboration with agencies like HSI has provided valuable empirical evidence, helping law enforcement target not just environmental criminals but also the interconnected networks of trafficking and smuggling that threaten both people and the planet. The Environmental Crime Convergence report produced by ELI in partnership with John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a testament to their innovative work in this space. By shedding light on these crucial intersections, Earth League International is not only safeguarding endangered species and ecosystems but also protecting vulnerable communities and advancing global environmental justice. Our organization makes a tremendous difference by acting as a barrier between nature and those who seek to exploit it. In regions like the Amazon, where millions rely on the rainforest for their livelihoods, and in coastal cities dependent on the ocean, the injustices faced by these communities from unmonitored criminal groups are devastating. We investigate these criminal networks and share our findings with local law enforcement, empowering them to take action. A recent example is our public report, Operation STELLA MARIS, released this year. This comprehensive report, built on five years of fieldwork, investigates shark fin trafficking across Latin America and East Asia. It highlights ten transnational criminal networks and identifies key players, revealing the convergence of environmental crime with other serious offenses.To ensure local communities can engage with this critical information, the report has been translated into Spanish. By providing detailed intelligence, we support diverse stakeholders—from government agencies to NGOs—in their fight against environmental injustice, protecting vulnerable ecosystems and fostering resilience in communities facing these challenges. Enabling environmental crime kingpin arrests, helping government with crime convergence | |||
| EARTHGANG Foundation, Corp | https://www.earthgangfoundation.org | The EARTHGANG Foundation is founded by hip hop duo EARTHGANG who has a proven track record in promoting environmental sustainability, evidenced by initiatives like the Climate Change Portal, which engages fans and communities to report and act on environmental changes. EARTHGANG Foundation has established strong partnerships, including with the Atlanta Mayor’s Office, Microsoft, and institutions like UCLA, amplifying its capacity to drive meaningful change. Through collaborations such as with the New York Hall of Science’s during NYC Climate Week, the Foundation leverages music and STEM to inspire the next generation of climate activists and scientists. | With involvement in initiatives ranging from the local community garden at Jean Childs Young Middle School to participation in the UN Summit on Climate & Hunger, the EARTHGANG Foundation demonstrates both grassroots and global influence. The interactive global portal developed in partnership with Microsoft empowers everyday citizens to contribute to climate data, positioning the Foundation as a leader in tech-driven environmental solutions. The Foundation elevates underrepresented voices in climate advocacy, particularly through the Climate Change Portal, which gives a platform to communities that are often disproportionately affected by environmental issues. Our Foundation fosters community resilience, technological innovation, and public awareness around climate change. | |||
| East Lubbock Art House | https://www.eastlubbockarthouse.org | I am nominating East Lubbock Art House (ELAH) because it embodies the intersection of environmental justice, social justice, and community empowerment, particularly within underrepresented and marginalized communities. ELAH is a BIPOC-led organization that is committed to addressing systemic racism through creative initiatives that amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental and social inequities. ELAH's programs not only provide a platform for artistic expression but also integrate environmental awareness and advocacy. Through community art classes, mural projects, and public art installations, ELAH educates the community on environmental issues while fostering a deep connection to the outdoors and urban spaces. Their focus on environmental justice is evident in projects that address the environmental challenges faced by the East Lubbock community, such as access to clean air, safe public spaces, and the beautification of neglected areas. Additionally, ELAH is a safe space for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQI individuals to explore and express their identities, further aligning with the grant's emphasis on supporting organizations that are often overlooked or underfunded. Despite being a relatively young organization, ELAH has made significant strides in promoting environmental justice and providing more equitable opportunities for all community members to experience the outdoors and engage in creative sports. In nominating ELAH, I believe this grant would help them expand their reach and continue to empower the community, making a lasting impact on both environmental and social justice. | I believe ELAH is making a significant difference not online on the Eastside of Lubbock (a predominately Black community), but in all of Lubbock and beyond! Recently, on Earth Day we unveiled murals as a part of our Environmental Justice Mural Project and began our Lubbock Neighborhood Garden. The Environmental Justice Mural Project enlisted three artists to create public artworks that are displayed in our green space about the environmental justice issues in East Lubbock. Our Lubbock Neighborhood Garden is spearheaded by local artist Cassi Cassarco who worked with to receive a grant from one of our board members to start the project. Cassi was previously a participant of our Artist Internship Program, Art + Activism Youth Project, ELAH Mural Project and a participant of many of our other programming and events. With the establishment of the murals and the garden in our green space, we want to transform our neighborhood into the imagined future of autonomy, sustainability, care and safety As a part of both of these projects we want to engage all of our community members (instilling a sense of ownership), especially our youth and young adults in every aspect--from planning, planting and painting to organizing, harvesting and exhibitioning. | |||
| Eco Circle International | https://www.ecocircleinternational.org/fellowship | The ECI fellowship, our main initiative, is an education and action-based course where students ages 12-18 in the Americas, Asia and Australasia learn about intersectional sustainability & leadership, putting what they learn into practice with their own independent initiative. It is the largest part of our work and is what we hope to expand into a long-term, multi-lingual and international platform. We abide by the mentality that the symbiotic relationship between education and passion is the most potent catalyst for change. Through this belief, we developed the structure of our fellowship: the first two months are centered around education and reflection on intersectional sustainability; month three focuses on developing a leadership mindset and the tools to create change; in months four and five, the students lead their own sustainable initiative in their community, guided by one of ECI’s experienced youth mentors. The independent initiative is a chance for the fellows to use all of the knowledge they have learnt in order to make a real change in the environmental space (and develop leadership skills in the process). With the money from this award, we want to support the initiatives of our members and enable them to make a bigger difference. | One prime example is the ECI fellowship itself, which covers leadership competencies like fundraising and entrepreneurship along with intersectional sustainability subjects like regenerative farming. This all-encompassing strategy gives fellows the skills, resources, and mentality they need to carry out autonomous community projects that tackle regional environmental issues. The "education, reflection, solution, logistics, and execution" fellowship concept has shown to be quite successful. Just from the January-May and April-August 2024 cycles, ECI has helped approximately seventy-two significant youth-led projects across the Americas. These initiatives, which foster the next generation of environmental leaders while bringing about genuine positive change in varied communities, have included school composting systems, sustainable fashion auctions, environmental councils, instructional pamphlets, and more. In addition to the fellowship, ECI further amplifies its effect by offering free environmental education tools to individuals worldwide through its blog, Instagram, podcast, and online forum. The group is cultivating a fervent community dedicated to taking sustainable action. All things considered, Eco Circle International is a perfect example of how funding youth empowerment via all-encompassing education and skill development may result in concrete community-based projects that advance important environmental concerns in local communities around the globe.12 Their example acts as a motivating spark to encourage the next generation of leaders and change agents to be environmentally responsible. | |||
| Eco.Logic | https://www.ecologicprograms.org/ | I am nominating Eco.Logic because of its commitment to advancing environmental justice through creative education and hands-on community engagement. Eco.Logic works to make environmental education accessible and impactful. I run the Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) and we train emerging clean energy leaders through our signature fellowship program. This year, we invited Eco.Logic’s Executive Director to lead a training for 224 CELI fellows, to provide a history of environmental justice and energy justice frameworks. This training helped inform the fellows’ capstone projects and their ongoing work in advancing equitable clean energy solutions. Too often, energy justice programs like the many we see through the Inflation Reduction Act are implemented by people who don’t have a deep understanding of energy justice. Our CELI program is helping bridge the gap between practitioners and the justice frameworks that will lead to energy equity. Eco.Logic’s Executive Director’s expertise in translating complex concepts into actionable steps exemplifies Eco.Logic’s role in empowering a new generation of climate leaders, making it an ideal candidate for this nomination. Having supported Eco.Logic since its inception in 2020, I was thrilled to partner with them for a Climate Ride through CELI, the organization I represent, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration. | Eco.Logic uniquely approaches environmental education and justice through the arts and community engagement. The organization’s work is centered around three key programs that creatively blend the arts, community-building, and direct action: (1) Eco.Theater – Come Along for the Ride Theater Production: This climate-themed stage play tackles difficult topics such as migration, community resilience, climate grief, and personal responsibility. Through theater, Eco.Logic engages audiences emotionally and intellectually, providing an accessible way to learn about environmental justice while creating a space for individuals to process their emotions around climate change. (2) Eco.Crews – Climate Action through Community Support: Eco.Crews empowers participants to take climate action through workshops, advocacy training, and peer support. The program provides actionable steps for community-based climate action while fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among participants. (3) Eco.Land – Land Restoration: This hands-on land restoration project allows participants to reconnect with nature and contribute to ecosystem restoration. Eco.Logic’s current focus includes a 3-acre prairie and wetland restoration effort, as well as supporting a farm’s transition from conventional to organic grain farming, which fosters both environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. By combining education, creativity, and community action, Eco.Logic fosters systemic change and promotes environmental justice in innovative and impactful ways. | |||
| Environmental Justice in Tech | https://www.environmentaljustice.tech/ | Environmental Justice in Tech (EJIT) is a women, BIPOC and LGBTQI-led organization whose mission is to address the systemic neglect and exclusion of environmental justice in technology development and application. They do this through several programs and projects. The EJIT Fellowship Program nurtures young BIPOC leaders, producing research, educational materials and cultural interventions such as digital zines. The Fellows have also developed digital educator toolkits to integrate environmental justice into STEM education, conducted public teach-ins and lectures, and created a geographic information systems (GIS) learning lab launching in Fall 2024, using digital technologies to advance environmental justice and climate change education. | One of their most impactful initiatives, the EJIT Fellowship Program, was launched in 2021 to support young people in building career paths that will sustain an environmentally just culture shift in the tech space, with past fellows working on data justice, the intersection of public health and climate change, and environmental justice community organizing. The program has supported 6 fellows who have produced multimedia and print zines with over 30 submissions, created a speculative fiction anthology - leading to a presentation at the 2024 Solarpunk Conference - and created a digital toolkit for educators. Their work also included surveying environmental educators about pedagogical design, resulting in a collaboration with the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative, where the Fellows are creating educational modules, co-authoring a book chapter, and contributing to the forthcoming Science, Technology, and Environmental Justice course taught both at MIT and as an online course on the MITx platform. In 2023, they hosted their first public EJIT Teach-In during NYC Climate Week at New York University. This event brought together dozens of participants from fields such as wildlife biology, energy research, and finance to learn about environmental justice in technology. They have also taught at the Design Futures Forum, delivered a workshop and a keynote panel at the Engineers for a Sustainable World Conference, an environmental justice and technology workshop to the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and participants at Manchester Metropolitan University, contributed to an essay series on climate justice, AI and technology through McGill’s Center for Media, Technology and Democracy, and presented at the responsible data workshop at the IEEE conference on computer vision and pattern recognition (CVPR). | |||
| Equinimity, Inc | https://www.equinimitytucson.com | They are a vital part of Tucson in supporting the BIPOC Community | Providing ways for young people to learn a skill, and practice their creative talents in a safe environment. | |||
| Families for a Livable Climate | https://livableclimate.org/ | Families for a Livable Climate (FLC) is a small, women-led, grassroots organization filling an important role: welcoming a diverse, multigenerational group of stakeholders into climate conversations and actions. They invite families of all kinds into the climate space and equip them with the tools, skills, and support necessary to address the urgent climate crisis we face. Their family-centered, relationship-focused approach is sorely needed in the environmental movement. Research has shown that parents are uniquely primed for climate action, but so many families are unable to engage because of inaccessibility (how can parents attend meetings or actions when they don't have a sitter, or don't have the time, energy, or expertise?). FLC's work is centered on and powered by families, and they seek to remove barriers to engagement and empower families to work together toward lasting change built on deep, authentic human connections. Families for a Livable Climate is a woman-led nonprofit aimed at empowering parents and caregivers to engage in meaningful climate action. The group organizes a variety of actions: from producing a magazine, to holding events both local and statewide, to supporting several volunteer working groups that focus on the energy transition, sustainable schools, reducing plastic, and green investing. But all of them are aimed at the unique needs of parents, with flexibility and support that allow busy, stressed caregivers the opportunity to do good work. Families for a Livable Climate has always focused on environmental justice as a guiding lens, whether that means sponsoring educational programs on the history of colonization, directing its outreach work toward marginalized communities, or fighting for clean air in lower-income schools. "I am nominating Families for a Livable Climate because of the critical work they are doing to lay out the welcome mat -- inviting parents and caregivers and families and individuals and ages to join the growing climate movement in our communities and our state. I have dedicated my career to efforts in the realm of social work. I have a deep care for the environment, but always figured I would focus on my human services work and leave the environmental advocacy to other good folks. Then in 2019, I finally let myself feel into the deep existential grief of the climate crisis, I knew that as a mother of two precious daughters, a lover of the woods, and a caregiver of humans, there was no way I could in good conscience sit on the sidelines of this issue. It became clear to me (better late than never!) that the climate crisis was absolutely central to all of our futures. I knew I had to get involved – but as a single mom of two kids with a full time job and no real expertise in this arena, I didn’t know how to make that happen. I was so relieved when soon after, I connected with the original group of parents that had recently formed FLC. It was heartening to find a community of other folks looking to grieve, connect, and move forward together towards meaningful action. Since then, I have been a solidly engaged part of the FLC family – educating myself on issues, taking actions, mobilizing my friends and neighbors, tabling and speaking at events, lending non-profit and fundraising experience to help grow the organization, and now serving as the Board President. It means so much for me to not only have FLC’s support in making an impact but also to be building the human connections, which make this work life-giving and sustainable for the challenging and absolutely critical years ahead. " | Through skill-building, collective action opportunities, and volunteer engagement, FLC is making a big difference to empower new, multigenerational climate leaders. The last couple years, FLC has worked tirelessly to expand their statewide presence and bring an important, influential, and inclusive family voice on issues of climate action. For example: FLC worked in collaboration with 17 organizations across the state to host and bring over 300 Montanans to the state’s first Climate Advocacy Day during the 2023 legislative session (and are currently in the midst of planning the next Climate Advocacy Day in early 2025); they co-hosted multiple interdisciplinary climate storytelling events in communities across the state; and they support a network of volunteers working on projects to electrify schools, advance clean energy development, address plastic pollution, and decarbonize finances. Their family-led volunteer working groups are a powerful example of the difference they are making. Each group is making big moves to advance local climate initiatives; for example, their Clean Energy Working Group has been using relational organizing and climate storytelling to speak truth to power and bring decision-makers into the climate conversation. One of the group leads has built a personal relationship with our utility company's CEO, Brian Bird, and has met with him 1 on 1 on multiple occasions to talk about both their children and their shared concern for their future. Through relational inroads like this, as well as employing other tactics to put pressure on and engage our decision-makers, the FLC network is building strong, inclusive, intergenerational momentum toward a thriving future for all. I can see the effects of Families for a Livable Climate's work all over my community, state, and region. As a volunteer, I have personally been involved in the first-ever climate lobbying day at the Montana legislature; kid-friendly demonstrations meant to pressure our electric utility into climate-friendly action AND introduce the younger generation to civic action; and producing webinars to help schools access federal grants for measures like electric school buses and energy-efficient building upgrades. Families for a Livable Climate has also supported my working group as we implemented a clean-air program in our school district's elementary schools. Wildfire smoke is a major source of air pollution in western Montana, and thus far schools largely don't filter out the harmful particles in their indoor air. Some of the schools in wealthier neighborhoods had already raised funds from parents to pay for air purifiers in their classrooms, but we wanted to ensure all kids in town had clean air at school. Through direct meetings with administrators, we secured air purifiers for most classrooms in the district, then we organized a parent volunteer group to maintain those purifiers. We hope to expand our program to all grade levels in the future. "I will answer that on two levels. On the larger scale, one way this work is making a difference is bringing an accessible family/human voice to the climate concerns we all are facing. As part of the volunteer Clean Energy Working group, I am proud of the work we are doing to hold Montana’s monopoly energy provider accountable for greenwashing their future energy plans and their backwards decisions to continue ramping up investment in coal. Together we have recorded and posted social media videos of ourselves and our families, which have gathered more than 300+ new supporters from across the state around this important issue. We created a website, TakeBackOurPower.org, to help folks get informed and take action. In addition, we are currently working to put up billboards in places that Northwestern Energy executives and Public Service Commissionerswill see with children asking “Why?” to the fact that Northwestern is the only U.S. utility increasing its investment in coal. Giving voice to how these decisions impact children and families in our state, feels especially critical in this next year as Northwestern Energy moves closer towards taking full ownership of Colstrip power plant– one of the highest carbon emitters in the country. On the personal level, it means a lot to me that my girls, now ages 12 and 14, over the last five years, have seen me not just standing by - but taking action in support of the world they will live in. FLC has provided them with an outlet for their concern as well – they have each submitted poems and art to FLC’s changing time magazine. As part of FLC, we have gone as a family to rallies, Held vs. Montana Supreme court hearings, and legislative action days. My youngest daughter is not only riding with me in the Missoula Climate Ride, but has been busy all the last month designing and making loads of buttons for ride participants. FLC helps them and me to realize that we are in this together, there is a community of care, and there are actions we can take. That although there are very real challenges ahead – it can be joyful and fun and heartening to be enacting our love for nature, the future and each other." | |||
| Farm to Pantry | https://www.farmtopantry.org | I love what they are doing for food justice and land equity, especially for farmworkers. This Women-BIPOC run organization is committed to food justice for the most vulnerable. The County's most profitable crop is its wine grapes, and the people F2P serves are the very people who make wine country possible. It is imperative our farmworkers are taken care of in order for the whole County of Sonoma to thrive. | They are providing land access for those who live in low-income housing apartments; this way they can grow their own food - fresh, locally-grown, nutritious food is usually out of low-wage worker family food budgets. Our most vulnerable members help to feed everyone in Sonoma yet can barely afford to feed themselves on their low-wages. This organization is operated by a trusted BIPOC community member who is reaching out and doing everything in her power to ensure these marginalized community members are nourished with healthy, locally-grown produce, while preventing food waste to at the same time, providing fresher air for everyone! | |||
| Fins Attached Marine Research & Conservation | https://finsattached.org | All volunteer organization dedicated to ocean conservation and health. They are doing great things for marine conservation and shark protection and research We have been working with Fins Attached for 2 years now to promote marine species conservation, sustainable fishing, and promoting environmental law through the legal protection of not just sharks, but all marine species. I believe in their mission of protecting the ocean's apex predators in the interest of maintaining the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. Sharks are the most important ocean animal. For their work on shark, turtle, and ray conservation | Works with a coalition of other nonprofits and also works with government agnecies to affect change. They tag and release in help to protect and understand Shark and Ray movements They are engaging the youth of today in ocean and marine conservation, taking youth delegates to CITIES conventions, species tagging expeditions and helping communities in Costa Rica preserve sea turtle hatching sites. Through their research and education efforts, they bring awareness to the importance of ocean and marine species conservation. They were instrumental in the Shark Fin Elimination Act being signed into law in the US. Education through allowing people to be directly involved with research & conservation. By educating the public as to how invaluable sharks are to the oceans and our environment. | |||
| Forum for the Future | https://www.forumforthefuture.org/ | I am nominating Fourth Plain Forward due to their commitment to environmental justice and bettering the community in southwest Washington. "Fourth Plain Forward serves as the driving force that brings together established systems, grassroots initiatives, residents, and businesses. [Their] shared goal is to break down the barriers that have hindered our community's progress." Their commitment extends specifically to uplift Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, alongside those facing resource limitations and exclusion from mainstream services. They uphold their five values of racial equity, inclusion, and social justice, community first, collective impact, development without displacement, and climate adaptation. I believe that we cannot make an impact on climate without also addressing issues around racial equity, inclusion, and social justice and Fourth Plain Forward strives to focus on that. They have five priorities that include: community wealth building, thriving neighborhoods, affordable housing and asset development, learning and evaluation, and art, history and culture. They have a Climate Adaptation Task Force that I would love to see get further funding through grants to make even more impact in the community. | We're working on a campaign in the lead up to to COP 29 and I'm seeing funding support. I lead the Future Centre, Forum for the Future's creative hub for applied futures, provocative and creative thought leadership, and open-sourced futures materials. We help individuals and organisations leading change in key transitions ensure that their efforts contribute to transformative and systemic change rather than shallow 'fixes' that fail to achieve significant progress—neither going far enough, nor fast enough. 29 Brightspots is a story-telling campaign designed to be launched in the lead up to COP 29 in November 2024. The outcomes of COP 28 made it clear that we will not achieve the transformation we need from a process that is heavily influenced by those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo – in this case, the oil and gas sector. So, if the leaders are not going to lead the transformation we need, we need to begin to look elsewhere – to those ‘brightspots’ outside the established system. This is something we’ve been hearing in conversations with people across our network and around the world. A favourite quote captures it well: “If the incumbents hold the narrative of the future we will not transform.” This is how the idea for 29 Brightspots came into being. We want to highlight 29 stories illustrating how individuals, or groups of individuals, are reshaping historical power structures to advance climate justice and foster a more sustainable and resilient future. Additionally, we aim to tap into the creative potential of futures thinking to create stories, images, and visuals that provide inspiration for how the future might unfold differently if we amplify these 'brightspots' of change - rather than the signals from those who are vested in maintaining the status quo. 29 Brightspots is envisioned as a counter narrative during the time of COP 29, when we think the link between entrenched powers and our ability to stay within safe planetary boundaries will be a global discussion. Our aim is to illuminate to those leading change the transformative potential of re-patterning power You can check out their events page (https://www.fourthplainforward.org/events-listings), but some of the impactful work they are doing include financial literacy workshops, conversation circles, facilitating events around art, culture, and the outdoors (they have a summer series that is all about outdoor art/culture). They have a Climate Adaptation Task Force to integrate climate justice throughout their work. They also hosted a Environmental Justice Community Conversation and partners with the Vancouver Bee Project to offer regular Native Plant and Seed Libraries. | |||
| GASP | https://gaspgroup.org/ | GASP has been working hard for 15 years in the Greater Birmingham are to enhance the health and wellbeing of Birmingham residents and Alabamians by reducing air pollution, advancing environmental justice, and promoting climate solutions. I belive that their mission and work aligns with this grant purpose! | GASP has created a deep impact in the community as the only clean air nonprofit in Central Alabama. As a membership organization, it works really hard to keep people involved, and has created change by creating a community monitoring system, bringing legal challenges against pollutors, promoting civic engagement, and educating the community about climate change and sustainability. | |||
| Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary | https://www.happycompromisefarm.org | Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary is a unique organization that combines animal rescue with food justice. Located in a low-income food desert with a 20% food insecurity rate (more than 50% for families with school-aged children), our free farm stand program has made a big impact towards helping to reduce food insecurity in our area and providing resources for people to grow their own food, while also setting an example for food justice initiatives. Though our programs are focused on local impact, through our use of social media we are able to reach millions of people around the world to spread our message of compassion and justice for all while also providing educational resources. | Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary (HCF+S) provides free produce, plant starts, and flowers to anyone in need. Last year we grew and distributed more than 3,000 pounds of produce, and this year we hope to more than double those numbers. We also care for more than 100 rescued farmed animals, and educate the public about animal agriculture, climate change, and making eco-friendly and sustainable choices. HCF+S makes a difference for so many humans and animals both locally and around the world. Our overarching goal is to create a fair and safe world for all marginalized beings. | |||
| HOPE Collaborative | https://www.hopecollaborative.net/ | HOPE (Health for Oakland’s People and Environment) Collaborative is a community collaborative working towards policy and systems change to promote the health and well-being of families and youth in the most vulnerable communities of East and West Oakland. HOPE has developed a successful model of cultivating community leaders to win policy changes, by centering the voices, experiences, and ideas of low-income Oakland residents in decision-making processes affecting their communities in the areas of food and environmental justice. HOPE Collaborative has consistently advocated for the health and wellness of flatlands communities focused in East and West Oakland. They are worthy of this type of grant. They empower BIPOC community members to be active participants in climate activism. | HOPE makes a difference by actively engaging with youth to be change makers. Annually, HOPE trains and mobilizes 10-12 youth to fight systemic racism in our food and environmental systems, which includes specific work around clean air and clean water, as well as equitable access to sustainably grown foods. Because HOPE has developed a successful model of cultivating community leaders to win policy changes, we know that many Oakland residents need extra support in engaging in local decision-making. A portion of our work focuses on empowerment and the dismantling of the imposter syndrome that many folks of color feel when entering policy and planning spaces. We recognize that our community members are not disengaged and on the fringes of these spaces because they want to be, but because historically they have been purposefully left out and discriminated against. Our programs seek to strengthen the leadership capacity of folks of color who live in target communities so that they can become changemakers with the power to influence local policies and planning. HOPE Collaborative has extensively supported deep East Oakland Communities. To this day, they have changed the way young people access food justice education and organize with their immediate community in Oakland. HOPE has a youth action board (YAB), a program where youth can get involved in food and environmental justice work. | |||
| I Am Foundation dba We The Ppl 412 | https://wethepeople412.org | we the ppl 412 | We the Ppl 412 is making a significant impact by addressing the root causes of systemic issues like violence, trauma, and inequality in underserved communities, particularly in Pittsburgh. The organization’s focus on domestic violence prevention, mental health awareness, and community empowerment creates real, lasting change in neighborhoods that are often overlooked. One powerful example is the monthly community roundtables that We the Ppl 412 organizes. These gatherings bring together diverse voices from the community to discuss critical topics like family trauma, men’s mental health, and self-love. The consistent engagement provides a safe space for open dialogue and healing, fostering a sense of unity and collective responsibility. Moreover, by providing resources such as licensed therapists, transportation, and food, We the Ppl 412 removes barriers that often prevent people from accessing the support they need. This direct approach to tackling mental health and community well-being shows the organization's deep commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment, especially for marginalized groups like BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low-income families. This type of grassroots, community-led work helps break cycles of trauma and disempowerment, giving people the tools they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. We the Ppl 412's impact isn’t just about addressing problems; it's about building sustainable, long-term solutions by empowering the community from within. That’s where the real difference lies. | |||
| Inclusive Louisiana | https://inclusivelouisiana.org/ | Inclusive Louisiana is associated with previous action grantee Louisiana Bucket Brigade and like them, are dedicated to protecting the residents of St. James Parish and neighboring parishes from environmental harm caused by industrial pollution. | Inclusive Louisiana is actively fighting development of new petrochemical plants and has an upcoming hearing Oct 7. against St. James Parish. They plan to refile a moratorium against all new sites and expansion of industrial facilities. See more here: https://www.wbrz.com/news/local-environmental-activists-to-speak-with-officials-in-d-c-about-louisiana-s-air-pollution/ | |||
| Intersectional Environmentalist | https://intersectionalenvironmentalist.com | Historically, environmental movements have not been led by those most directly impacted by climate disasters, a systemic issue that has led to a lack of funding and visibility among those proven to drive climate justice solutions. To combat this, IE’s mission is focused on increasing awareness and access to education about intersectional environmentalism and driving support toward grassroots environmental justice efforts. In addition to shifting the current environmental narrative by creating free and accessible environmental justice education, IE is also driving visibility to climate justice organizations through The IE Database and through the IE Amplifier Program, is providing direct support via custom technical and capacity-building tools to select Database orgs. As movement connectors, storytellers, and digital media experts who reach over 20M people annually, IE is well-positioned to provide the tools and strategies that environmental and social justice organizations need to increase their capacity and share their own impactful solutions with their communities. | IE is equipping folks with the educational tools and resources needed to transform the environmental narrative, and driving people towards action by raising awareness about the many climate justice and grassroots organizations who are leading their own communities into environmental liberation. One way IE’s educational tools are making a difference is by providing educators and organizers with the resources needed to understand the intersectional histories of environmentalism. As one small example, we recently heard this from an educator in Evanston, IL: ‘I am a third year AP Environmental Science teacher and your work is invaluable in my class! I devoured the book when it was published and found myself going down rabbit hole after rabbit hole to better understand the content, context, and connections you provided because it was just so interesting, genuine, and felt like a missing piece to the teaching I have been doing in AP Environmental Science.’ This is just a small sample of the messages we’ve received from educators who are using our resources to teach the next generation of environmental leaders - and by continuing to create new resources, show up at university speaking engagements, and engage with students and teachers across the country, we’re excited to continue providing these much-needed offerings free of charge to our community. | |||
| La Clínica de La Raza, Inc. | https://www.laclinica.org | I am nominating this organization because they understand the importance of preparing the health sector for climate change impacts, especially as it relates to better serving underserved populations who oftentimes lack adequate health services. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) must be more prepared to address climate change impacts, and La Clínica stands out amongst FQHCs as a heath center who is leading the conversation around the intersection of climate change and health. | This organization is making a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people by providing comprehensive culturally accessible health services to uninsured and underinsured individuals. | |||
| LandWEB | https://www.landweb.org/ | They are an innovative nonprofit working to shift the way we currently think about tech and agriculture towards a more just and holistic system wherein producers are recognized for their skills and expertise as land stewards. The LandWEB model hires agricultural producers to contribute to research and data collection, and in turn helps restore and heal whole watersheds while creating a stronger and more resilient food system. | LandWEB is making a difference by putting forth a new vision for agriculture where, rather than being a major contributor, our food system can play a significant role is adapting to and mitigating climate change. | |||
| Latínx'i Coalition | https://www.latinxicoalition.com | The Latinx'i Coalition has been a powerful agent of connection and change within the Yakutat community. This community, rich in Indigenous heritage and deeply connected to its ancestral lands and waters, comprises members of the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, shareholders of the village corporation shareholders, a diverse group of stakeholders that include Tlingit, Haida, Eyak, Athabaskan, Aluutiq, Yupik and Inupiaq peoples. The Coalition has played a pivotal role in cultivating collaboration among these groups, ensuring that the community's collective voice shapes the priorities and initiatives of the coalition. | In 2023, the Coalition successfully empowered collective action to halt timber development on sacred sites, salmon streams and barrier islands that protect the community of Yakutat, Alaska. We completed this by empowering collective shareholder action to elect all new leadership of the Alaska Native Village Corporation who owned the timber developing subsidiary. Since that time, the village corporation's new leadership has liquidated the timber company, and have initiated projects such as partnering with the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe to re-purpose previously clear-cut areas into a solar farm, are in the process of negotiating carbon credits for barrier islands, and are partnering with local and regional organizations to restore salmon streams where timber was previously harvested. The Coalition has supported and provided training and development for the village corporation's new leadership. Now, the Latinx’i Coalition, in partnership with the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe and Yak-Tat Kwaan, Inc., embarks on a historic initiative to reconcile, restore, and make reparations for the harm done to Humpback Creek, a significant cultural site that was previous clear-cut. This project aims to empower the clan to acknowledge the deep hurt and engage in restorative healing for Humpback Creek by engaging community and clan members. | |||
| Live Peace Tech Corporation | https://www.livepeacetech.org | I am nominating Live Peace Tech Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This exceptional organization stands out for its unparalleled commitment to inspiring young individuals (aged 15 to 24) to embrace roles as environmental stewards, ecopreneurs, and climate change activists | Live Peace Tech Corporation (LPTC), under the leadership of Hispanic and LGBTQI women, is significantly contributing to the transformation of young individuals aged 15 to 24 in the Washington DC metro area. In particular, LPTC organizes impactful events, such as the 'Eco-Tank for Ecopreneurs,' designed to facilitate connections among like-minded youths and provide a platform for them to attract potential investors for their ecological initiatives. For instance, during the Summer Rise Program in 2023, Dr. Hem Dhakal, representing LPTC, had the honor of hosting and instructing high school students from over 10 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Culminating the program, Dr. Dhakal orchestrated the 'Eco-Tank for Ecopreneurs/Changemakers' event, challenging students to address pressing global issues and propose practical solutions. The outcomes were truly inspiring, showcasing each solution's real-life applicability. Notably, several students from the event are now actively planning to launch their own eco-friendly ventures in the near future | |||
| Louisiana Bucket Brigade | https://labucketbrigade.org | LA Bucket Brigade is a leader in the environmental justice movement working to protect Louisiana (and the planet) by empowering communities and ending the petrochemical expansion. They are fearless and highly effecitve in their quest to end petrochemical pollution in Louiisana. I believe that racial justice is at the root of environmental justice. LA Bucket Brigade is working at the root causes of environmental destruction and doing it by empowering the people most affected to take leadership in the process. In 2018 I first went on the Cancer Alley bike ride. I was very impressed by how close the houses were to the chemical plants. I have been a donor ever since. "The Bucket Brigade fights for the health and livelihoods of our communities - especially BIPOC communities who suffer disproportionately from the effects of pollution and environmental extraction. As it enters its 25th year, Louisiana Bucket Brigade is a stand-out environmental justice leader in our region. It is unique in that it works closely alongside community members who have long suffered the harms of living near petrochemical facilities. The Bucket Brigade listens before it acts. " | Louisiana Bucket Brigade gets real results for impacted communities by listening, being involved, and by providing resources, and legal and media strategies that builds movement and wins. They played an extremely important role in blocking the expansion of large petrochemical facilities. The Biden Administration's recent pause on the construction of new liquified natural gas plant's was tied to the advocacy of the Louisiana Bucket Bridgagte and the advocacy of other groups who work closely with the them. "Louisiana Bucket Brigade has had amazing success at stopping huge multi-national chemical plants from being built. They also supported the local groups who got a moratorium on the big LNG build-out on the Gulf Coast. Earlier this year the Bucket Brigade provided the resources and foundation for a historic federal suit for a moratorium on any new chemical plants in St. James Parish. LABB provided the strategy, experience and skills to support the local group in this success. " "They work closely with impacted people and have creative strategies like using mapping and genealogy to stop big industry. At the beginning of the 2020s, the issue around the LNG export terminal build-out was largely unknown. Thanks to the Bucket Brigade's dogged efforts to bring the stories of the dangers and harms caused by these massive facilities, President Biden actually halted the permitting process nationwide, preventing millions of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. " | |||
| Marie Harrison Community Foundation Inc. | https://canwelive.org | The Marie Harrison Community Foundation (MHCF) is led by Black women of and by the San Francisco Bayview Hunters Point community for whom they advocate. MHCF was founded in 2019 by her daughter, Arieann Harrison, to honor the legacy, advocacy and dedication of Marie Harrison, the “Mother of the Environmental Justice movement.” Marie Harrison passed in 2019 having suffered a fibrotic lung disease caused by exposure to air pollution from sources like an oil-fired PG&E power plant formerly in Hunters point and the Navy shipyard that is a superfund site. Both Arieann and her son exhibit symptoms from their exposure. Additionally, Tonia Randell, MHCF’s administrative director, is a lifelong San Francisco Bayview resident and MHCF’s Youth Program Manager grew up in Bayview and attended San Francisco schools. The past harms to the community thus land very close to home for the MHCF leadership, and fuel the passion and commitment of the team to uplift and fight for something bigger than themselves. MHCF has intentionally designed programs around understanding that leaders from within the community can have greater impact through their deep understanding of the members in their community. I firmly support that real and lasting change comes from within community, not from outside organizations. Of particular note is MHCF’s emphasis on organizing youth and supporting their power, knowledge, and organizing in the environmental justice movement, as it is their futures at stake. Increasing the representation of BIPOC youth in initiatives that incorporate environmental design, environmental justice advocacy, and data science skill sets is vital for fostering innovation, addressing historical inequities, and empowering communities. These fields benefit greatly from diverse perspectives, which lead to more creative and effective solutions for environmental challenges. BIPOC students bring unique experiences and viewpoints that can uncover new approaches and ensure that solutions are inclusive and comprehensive. This diversity is essential for developing strategies that truly address the needs of all communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by environmental issues. | The Marie Harrison Community Foundation recognizes the community is filled with passion and undiscovered talent; that the kids and young adults will be more than just good workers but creators and masters of their own destinies. MHCF’s environmental justice education programs, Y.E.S. Camp and BaySpark Youth Summit, are designed to inspire and support the next generation of environmental leaders and accelerate progress towards a healthier planet for all. Programs do this through building local youth's skills in STEM disciplines, advocacy, and leadership; and providing opportunities for young people to network with other youth activists and local community leaders in environmental organizations. Already, MCHF has hosted the inaugural bayview youth summit with more than 75 attendees in 2023, and will host a second annual summit on Sept 28, 2024. Since establishing the foundation, MHCF has offered the Marie Harrison Environmental Justice Scholarship which aims to support college students who demonstrate a passion for improving health and air quality in overburdened frontline communities in the Bay Area. In total, MHCF has issued eight scholarships at $5000 each to support students pursuing post-secondary school degrees. Finally, MHCF is on a trajectory to scale-up its impact. Having built partnerships with government, other non-profit organizations, and community awareness through community marches for environmental justice, MHCF efforts have already resulted in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District formally nominating Southeast SF Bayview Hunters Point community as one of California's AB617 communities. A kickoff Community Steering Committee (CSC) on January 16, 2024 marked the beginning of the legislative backed efforts for the BVHP community to develop its Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP). MHCF is furthering these efforts by simultaneously pursuing both regional and state level funding such that organizations gain access to the necessary resources to carry out the solution options identified through the CERP to assure broader and lasting impact. | |||
| Midnight Riot | https://midnight-riot.org/about-midnight-riot/ | Midnight Riot provides environmental justice and education training tailored to HBCU students and residents of the AUC, West End, Ashview Heights neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA., and for residents of Indianapolis, IN's east and west sides. The workshops and training sessions cover topics such as the impacts of wastewater runoff on water quality and human health, who is most harmed by these pollutants, the importance of balancing and cleaning aquatic ecosystems, and the importance of maintaining waterways. They also provide litter mitigation projects and recycling sustainability initiatives that cultivate a healthy environment in historically marginalized communities and address the impact of litter and trash on the community's mental health and sense of safety. | Since 2021, Midnight Riot, a nonprofit led by recent Morehouse and Spelman College graduates, has been a driving force of change in Atlanta, GA, and Indianapolis, IN. They have organized 26 neighborhood cleanups, collected over 21,840 pounds of trash, spearheaded multiple recycling initiatives, held six educational and environmental justice workshops, and had over 832 volunteers. In 2023-24, the organization adopted and now maintains 59 storm drains, cleaning them monthly to help eliminate neighborhood flooding and contamination of waterways. In a spirit of collaboration, they partner with local groups and organizations to expand their programs. | |||
| Muslim Climate Watch Inc. | https://www.muslimclimatewatch.com | Muslim Climate Watch (MCW) is a BIPOC Muslim women-led climate and environmental justice organization based in Washington, D.C., empowering Muslims to become climate and green leaders. Recognizing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on over 1.8 million Muslims around the world who primarily belong to marginalized communities and the Global South, MCW is on a mission to mobilize the global Muslim community to become actively engaged in the climate justice movement through education, awareness, and community engagement, and amplifying Muslim voices on climate change. MCW aims to propose solutions for healing the Earth based on Islamic principles and the sacred traditional knowledge of land-based indigenous peoples across the world, many of whom populate the globally diverse Muslim world. | MCW has become a thriving Muslim climate justice movement dedicated to mobilizing Muslims to take charge of climate justice and a leading platform amplifying Muslim perspectives on climate change. Through an in-house editorial team, MCW has built an online publication featuring diverse Muslim voices informing, analyzing and educating all on the climate crisis disproportionately impacting over 1.8 million Muslims around the world, primarily in the Global South. Their multi-media storytelling project, Muslim Climate Narratives, showcases unique interpersonal climate stories of Muslims, highlighting the struggles of navigating life amidst the climate crisis, as well as sharing inspiring stories of resilience and innovation to tackle climate change. Based in the DMV area, MCW is also leading various grassroots initiatives to empower and support the Muslim community in the region to live sustainably and become engaged in the climate justice movement through their Muslim Climate Collective DMV hub. In just a year since their inception, MCW has featured over 50 insightful stories by Muslim activists, community leaders, journalists, and elders on the intersection of climate justice, human rights and Muslim issues that are not covered by mainstream media. | |||
| Native Seeds/SEARCH | https://www.nativeseeds.org | Continuing efforts to engage and encourage food access, supporting Community Gardens, Tribal Nation members and Communities to continue planting seeds for food access from native arid adapted seeds. | Native Seeds continues to expand access (15 free seed packages to tribal members annually) and support to small farms, Community gardens and Tribal gardens. Support consists of free seeds, education, workshops and direct financial support for school gardens. | |||
| Nine Mile Run Watershed Association DBA Upstream Pittsburgh | https://www.upstreampgh.org | UpstreamPgh is the leading organizer of the Environmental Justice Table, a resident-led coalition fighting for change in EJ communities across the Pittsburgh, PA region. | UpstreamPgh has invested significant organizational resources into the development of the EJT, dedicating almost a full staff members time to the effort, paying for a year of co-development of the EJT’s strategic plan and goals, pay BIPOC EJ community member leads for their time, and resourcing the first year of the Table’s programming. Despite this major effort, local funders still are not investing resources in EJT that would truly allow it to springboard into the resident-led advocacy network it deserves to be. | |||
| Organization for Human Rights and Democracy | https://ohrdemocracy.org | At the Organization for Human Rights and Democracy, we are invested in building new relationships to ourselves, each other and the Earth. By building alternative models of key institutions that are people centered, democratically governed in the areas of education, food, economic development, health and housing, we are forging the path to radical transformation using Atlanta as our model. A membership based organization, we center queer, Black, working class, and oppressed peoples as we engage in multi-issue, intersectional human rights organizing. | In 2015, we operated a community based food buying program in partnership with local growers and state-wide farmers. To create greater access to fresh, healthful, organic foods that were affordable and community controlled, we were able to purchase fresh, organic produce from local and Black farmers who needed access to new markets to address the low access to such foods in Atlanta neighborhoods suffering from food apartheid. Currently, OHRD is focused on expanding our climate justice and human rights programs and projects. We are supporting the development of a southern regional network of environmental justice communities to increase capacity to access government funding, creating opportunities for increased education and community engagement. We have also begun to compile data on the human rights concerns in Atlanta to better understand and advocate for change in our communities. Through these projects, we see an ever present need for access to healthy foods, and believe a community owned and operated farm serves as the most apparent next step in engaging in our communities to meet their needs surrounding climate justice and human rights. | |||
| Repurpose Action Group | https://repurposeactiongroup.org/ | I am nominating Repurpose Action Group for a Climate Ride grant because of its impactful environmental and social justice work. Led by founder Jessica Gonzalez, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, it advocates for underserved communities and is dedicated to improving the environment and fighting for social and climate justice. Repurpose Action Group actively engages local communities in sustainable practices through its innovative Reuse and Recycling programs. The organization facilitates workshops and educational initiatives to promote reducing waste and reusing materials. By implementing community recycling drives and setting up accessible recycling stations, they empower individuals to make conscious decisions that contribute to a healthier planet, making each person feel engaged and responsible. These programs help reduce environmental impact and create economic opportunities by transforming waste into valuable resources. Repurpose Action Group's commitment to integrating environmental stewardship with social equity makes it a deserving candidate for the grant. | Repurpose Action Group is revolutionizing how communities view waste by championing reuse and expanding recycling efforts. Their innovative Recycling Program turns non-reusable materials into valuable resources, significantly reducing environmental impact. At the same time, their Reuse Program breathes new life into surplus items, distributing them to communities in need and providing essential goods while slashing waste. Repurpose Action Group's collaborations with companies and local non-profits have a significant impact. By diverting excess inventory, such as cosmetics, from landfills to organizations like the H.E.M.P. Legacy Foundation, they reduce waste and support sustainability. These partnerships also provide valuable resources to marginalized communities, such as incarcerated women, thereby improving their quality of life. By focusing on local partnerships, Repurpose Action Group strengthens community networks, reduces carbon footprints, and positively impacts the environment and vulnerable populations. In addition to these efforts, Repurpose Action Group partners with organizations across the United States to bring about environmental justice in creative and impactful ways. By working with diverse groups ranging from grassroots organizations to large corporations, they develop unique strategies tailored to meet the specific needs of different communities. These collaborations focus on innovative solutions to environmental challenges, such as repurposing materials, promoting recycling, and supporting sustainable practices. Through their partnerships, the Repurpose Action Group not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also plays a crucial role in fostering long-term change. By raising awareness and encouraging proactive engagement, they ensure that environmental benefits are distributed equitably, particularly among those who have historically been marginalized or adversely affected by environmental issues. By championing environmental justice, Repurpose Action Group inspires collective action towards a healthier, more sustainable future for all, instilling confidence in their ability to bring about lasting change. | |||
| Saticoy Food Hub | https://www.saticoyfoodhub.org | Saticoy Food Hub is seeking support as an up and coming organization, led by a BIPOC and Queer Team that is developing programs and increasing resources for its marginalized community. The organization focuses on environmental and climate justice, food justice, and addressing these issues through education, and the establishment of accessible programs. The community SFH serves, Saticoy, CA, is historically underserved, and classified by the USDA as a food desert. It exists as an unincorporated area of Ventura County with a population of around 1,700 people. The region is a Designated Disadvantaged Community according to the CalEPA, and faces higher than average county and nationwide levels of pollution, obesity, and poverty. Since its establishment in 2022, Saticoy Food Hub has been developed and led by community members who are implementing solutions to address these issues and providing programming to its community. In addition, Saticoy Food Hub not only serves Saticoy, but also all the neighboring communities in the county that share similar climate, economic, and health issues such as El Rio and Santa Paula. | Through its programs, SFH has created points of access to free fresh produce, in a community designated by the USDA as a food desert, including access to organic produce grown by local food producers. SFH implemented, and now hosts, the only currently running Community Fridge program in Ventura County, and in 2023 served 3,665 individuals. The Saticoy Community Fridge is frequently restocked through community donations and fresh produce gleaned by volunteers. Saticoy Food Hub is also the organization behind the newly opened Saticoy Farmers Market. A new market opened in the Saticoy Community's only green space, Saticoy Park. This Farmers Market features an environmental education booth that hosts hands on activities that teach visitors about organic agriculture, native plants, seeding, and other ranging topics. Furthermore, the Saticoy Farmers Market does not charge a vendors fee to local organic food producers, and focuses on attracting community members to become vendors as well. The Saticoy Farmers Market has been open since June 2024, and takes place on the first Sunday of every month. This has given access to healthy organic produce to the Saticoy Community, kept it EBT/Calfresh eligible, while helping visitors apply to Calfresh/EBT if they are eligible. To continue, SFH has established the first of its kind, free, backyard farming education course, called Saticoy Sowers. This program is open to all Ventura County locals, is a 6 week course that teaches a range of topics related to organic, and sustainable backyard agriculture. It is offered in English and Spanish, and was developed by staff with degrees in agriculture, environmental science, and experience working with regenerative farming methods. SFH has successfully completed two cohorts thus far in 2024, with total number of program participants being 37, and with future cohorts planned for 2025. | |||
| Seamless Bay Area Alliance | https://www.seamlessbayareaalliance.org/ | Seamless Bay Area Alliance (SBAA) fights for a unified, equitable, widely-used, accessible, and climate-friendly public transportation network in the San Francisco Bay Area. The transportation sector is the single largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in California, accounting for 39% of total GHG emissions. Environmental justice requires a Bay Area where public transportation and walking, biking, and rolling are the predominant forms of transportation - not single occupancy private automobiles. Low-income neighborhoods and marginalized communities disproportionately bear the brunt from car-based infrastructure, such as increased risk of asthma and other respiratory health problems caused by air pollution from vehicles, higher rates of traffic violence in the form of injuries and deaths from vehicles, and families straddled with the high-cost of car-ownership. Additionally, marginalized communities in the Bay Area are often the most prone to climate-change induced flooding and excessive heat scenarios. SBAA is fighting for environmental justice in Bay Area transportation. This requires a robust network of frequent, fast, and affordable public transportation that serves all people, with the benefits most greatly impacting our low-income neighbors and marginalized communities. SBAA is a women-led organization with Adina Levin as the Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy. Staff member Kaleo Mark is a Chinese American who identifies as gay. Additionally, the Seamless Bay Area board is composed of individuals with disabilities, gender-identities, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds that encapsulates the diversity of the Bay Area. | At a grassroots level, Seamless Bay Area Alliance (SBAA) educates and organizes transit riders to effectively advocate for their needs. SBAA also employs a “grasstops” strategy where we work with elected officials, communicating policy changes that will best increase transit ridership and lead to environmental justice outcomes. For instance, last year SBAA organized a study tour of Switzerland with Bay Area elected officials and transit agency staff to better understand a model of transportation governance, fare and coordination policies, and transit-infrastructure prioritization that leads to vastly increased public transportation usage. In the past several election cycles (including 2024), SBAA has worked with our partner organizations across the Bay Area to send out candidate questionnaires to people running for local, regional, and state elected offices to educate voters about politicians stances on the issue and to have candidates think more deeply about transportation issues. This General Election cycle, we’ve sent out questionnaires to 400+ candidates and will compile the answers for voters to use before they cast their ballots. SBAA works to educate residents about regional transportation issues and connect them to effective advocacy opportunities. For example, this summer and fall we are hosting a series of workshops across the 9-County Bay Area with our community partners to educate people on Transit2050+, the Bay Area’s long-range plan for public transportation investments, and how they can make meaningful changes to the proposed projects. Additionally, Seamless Bay Area’s Adina Levin serves on several regional transportation committees to ensure climate-friendly and equity-focused solutions are centered. Former Policy Director and current Board member Ian Griffiths serves on the state Transit Transformation Task Force which is developing policy and funding recommendations to improve public transportation and will make its recommendation to the state legislature by October 2025. | |||
| Sonoma Ecology Center | https://www.sonomaecologycenter.org | The Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) is making significant strides in improving accessibility and inclusivity at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for underserved and under-resourced communities. Located almost equidistant between Sonoma and Santa Rosa, many families living within 15 miles of the park—particularly Latino families—have never had the opportunity to visit. These families face multiple barriers to accessing parks, including transportation, cost, language barriers, limited culturally relevant outreach, and time poverty. In response, SEC launched the Senderos Naturales program, which provides monthly bilingual, nature-driven programs tailored to the Spanish-speaking community in Sonoma Valley and the Roseland area of Santa Rosa. These family-oriented outings include hiking basics, campouts, nature exploration, and stargazing, all delivered in both English and Spanish. SEC also addresses financial and transportation barriers by offering free parking, rideshare vouchers, low-cost annual parking passes, and transportation and busing from local libraries and community centers to make visits more accessible to low-income families. Alma Shaw is the Bilingual Program Manager for the Senderos Program. Alma immigrated from Mexico to Santa Rosa at age 13 and went onto studying communications at Sonoma State University. Alma Shaw is the program champion and has grown Senderos since 2018 to what it is today. She has engaged hundreds of families in the Latino community to nature. Ms. Shaw has also formed a Latino Environmental Leader Group that brings together other Latino leaders in the environmental space to collaborate and cross promote programs and activities. Ms. Shaw has found that the most effective way to recruit and market Sendeors events is through in-person connections and community building. Outreach for the program includes working with community partners such as La Luz, Sonoma Immigrant, CAP Sonoma, also through social media, personal connections, word of mouth, and the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, focusing on schools that have a high percentage of Latino populations such as Dunbar, Flowery, Sassarini Elementary. These grant funds would support Senderos staff time for in-person outreach for the program, which is the most effective way to recruiting participants in the program. Staff time can be particularly challenging to secure, and our bilingual staff are crucial for executing the program, translating materials and making Sugarloaf Ridge State Park more accessible. Funds will also support creative transportation alternatives for attendees including uber and gas cards that will help families get to the park for the programs. | The Senderos Program connects almost 200 Latino families and kids to nature, and their impacts speak for themselves: "Fue mi primera vez acampando. Al principio tenía miedo y mi esposo no se animaba a venir. Me gustó haber intentado algo diferente, la experiencia nos unió como familia, convivimos mejor y tuvimos conversaciones que nunca habíamos tenido. Nos alejó de la tecnología, y mis hijos pudieron disfrutar. A todos nos gustó, y nos gustaría regresar." - Isabel Ramírez "It was my first time camping. At first, I was scared, and my husband was hesitant to come. I liked trying something different; the experience brought us closer as a family, we got along better, and we had conversations we had never had before. It took us away from technology, and my children were able to enjoy it. We all liked it, and we would like to return." - Isabel Ramirez "Se me hizo muy bonito, fue una experiencia nueva. El aire se sentía muy sano, y mirar las estrellas en la noche fue muy emocionante. Nunca en mi vida pensé que iba a poder ver la luna como la vi. Mis hijos se divirtieron. Mi esposo y yo fuimos a la caminata sobre la tribu Wappo, y aprendimos mucho de su historia." - Ana Ambrocio "I found it very beautiful; it was a new experience. The air felt very fresh, and looking at the stars at night was very exciting. Never in my life did I think I would be able to see the moon as I did. My children had fun. My husband and I went on the walk about the Wappo tribe, and we learned a lot about their history." - Ana Ambrocio "Me fue bien, ¡nos divertimos muchísimo! Fue una experiencia muy bonita, nos gustaría que nos invitaran otra vez. Los niños y mi esposo se divirtieron mucho en la cascada y se metieron a nadar. El agua estaba helada, pero siempre dicen que quieren regresar. A mi esposo le encantó aprender sobre la tribu Wappo en la caminata y cómo ellos conviven con la naturaleza." - Araceli Martínez Robles "I had a great time, we had so much fun! It was a very beautiful experience; we would like to be invited again. The children and my husband had a lot of fun at the waterfall and went swimming. The water was cold, but they always say they want to go back. My husband loved learning about the Wappo tribe on the walk and how they live in harmony with nature." - Araceli Martínez Robles | |||
| Sunlight Media Collective | https://www.sunlightmediacollective.org/ | Sunlight Media Collective is unique as the only organization in Maine providing news coverage of topics at the intersection of Wabanaki Tribal rights and environmental issues from a predominantly Wabanaki perspective. Mainstream local reporting on Wabanaki Tribal sovereignty and on environmental issues that impact Wabanaki peoples and lands is often problematic, misleading, and detrimental to the Wabanaki peoples and their homelands. SMC is a Wabanaki-led, grassroots-driven group of activists and artists committed to producing media that amplifies Wabanaki perspectives on environmental and cultural topics. SMC's work is an integral part of the interconnected social, racial, and environmental justice movements within Maine. The more that the voices and wisdom of the Wabanaki people can be heard, respected, and learned from, the better for all—the better for Indigenous people, the better for non-Native people, and most importantly, the better for the health of the lands and waters on which we all rely for the essentials of life. | Sunlight Media Collective has been amplifying the perspectives of Wabanaki environmentalists since 2015. SMC's 2015 New England Emmy-nominated founding documentary, "The Penobscot: Ancestral River, Contested Territory," provided vital education about Penobscot Nation's historical and cultural connections to their namesake river at a critical time when the State of Maine shockingly claimed that the portion of the Penobscot River surrounding the Penobscot Nation's 200 reservation islands is not part of Penobscot Nation territory, despite historical, cultural and documentation evidence to the contrary. Since then, SMC has continued to provide media coverage on issues important to the Wabanaki people, including Land Returns in Wabanaki territory, cultural events, pollution from leachate runoff of Juniper Ridge Landfill, mining threats, the State's blatant disregard of Wabanaki Tribal sovereignty, Tribal fisheries projects, and more. The Wabanaki are a confederacy of 5 Tribes, the Micmac, Maliseet, Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot. Five Wabanaki Tribal governments and communities are located within what is now called Maine, with many additional Wabanaki Nations and communities located elsewhere in New England and southeastern Canada. Wabanaki communities and people face significant hardships due to the ongoing effects of colonialism, intergenerational trauma, continued pollution of Tribal ecosystems, and significantly higher levels of illness, poverty, addiction, and suicide than their non-Indigenous neighbors. Additionally, the State of Maine refuses to treat the Wabanaki Tribes on par with other federally recognized Tribes, which effectively illegally restricts the Wabanaki Nations' sovereignty and their ability to best care for their citizens and their lands. Sunlight Media Collective is the only newsgroup in Maine that is Wabanaki-led and provides accurate coverage of Wabanaki issues from a Wabanaki perspective without the problematic slants that mainstream reporters often give these topics. SMC's primary focus is on the critical water quality issues that are affecting Wabanaki communities and lands. These issues are not just about water, they are also about Tribal sovereignty. The State of Maine's refusal to treat Wabanaki Tribes on par with other federally recognized Tribes is a direct threat to Tribal governments' independence and causes environmental harm and conflict. This includes conflict over jurisdiction and water quality management of the section of the Penobscot River adjacent to Penobscot Nation's reservation islands (Penobscot Nation v Frey). The State's disregard for inherent Tribal sovereignty has also prevented the Wabanaki Tribes from being able to adequately address serious water quality problems on their own reservations (such as with the Sipayik Passamaquoddy drinking water crisis). Recognizing Tribal sovereignty will allow the Wabanaki Tribes to manage their own environments as they have successfully for thousands of years before colonization. This would greatly improve Indigenous peoples' wellbeing and ability to thrive, and also significantly enhance environmental health, benefiting all people, both Native and non-Native, who call this land home. Sunlight Media Collective collaborates closely with Wabanaki Chiefs, Natural Resources and Cultural Department leaders, and citizens in choosing which stories to tell and how to tell them to best amplify Wabanaki voices in support of the rights and wellbeing of Wabanaki peoples and their homelands. | |||
| Sunrise Movement Houston | https://www.sunrisemvmthtx.com/ | We've been advocating for better transit around Houston and are at a stage where our membership is growing but we need resources in order to keep our campaign going while sustaining and growing the work/projects that we currently have. Sunrise Movement Houston Hub is small but growing youth leadership group that is organizing young people to become leaders in the climate change, environmental, and economic justice through local collective action. They have a transit campaign to improve bus service for the most used buses in Houston. They are doing outreach by tabling at various venues like universities, climate justice museum, and community music festivals. They do teach-ins at local high schools. They join with other local grassroots organizations to act as a clearinghouse of information that might benefit the young people in effecting change in their community. Soon they will be hosting an Art Walk with climate justice focus to support local artists in selling their work and getting a bigger audience. Houston deserves a much bigger Sunrise Movement. | "1 - Our public transit campaign, centered in the Gulfton/Sharpstown area, is an avenue where we are advocating for better transit around Houston (notoriously a city with bad public transit and a very car centric design), by calling for higher frequency at bus stops, weatherized bus stops, and more reliable information regarding transit. We hope to expand this campaign into a city wide push to allocate more funding towards METRO. 2 - We are engaged in a coalition to pressure the Houston Marathon Committee to divest from fossil fuels, pressuring oil companies to take responsibility for their actions to damage the environment around the world. 3 - We work with schools and teachers in HISD to educate students about climate justice in Houston, teaching them about concepts such as environmental justice and the intersectionality of climate action. We additionally discuss local issues and provide avenues for students to get involved in action around the city with issues they care about." They are focused on making the voices of young people stronger and more important. They recently gathered feedback from over 100 riders of the METRO to collect that information and organize the riders to get better and more frequent bus service to some of the most used bus lines. | |||
| The Oxygen Project | https://www.theoxygenproject.com/ | I am thrilled to nominate The Oxygen Project (TOP) for the Environmental Justice Action Grant, and here’s why. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working with TOP, an organization renowned for its exceptional grassroots efforts in safeguarding both the people and ecosystems essential to our planet’s health. TOP’s influence extends through a vast network of global climate leaders and a digital audience of over 4 million. Our impactful campaigns address critical issues such as deep sea mining, blue-green regeneration, and the protection of indigenous and endangered lands. We also offer climate leadership training through our TOP Co-Op initiative. Despite operating on a modest budget, our dedicated and collaborative team consistently delivers extraordinary results. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we are eager to expand our team and amplify our impact. This grant would be instrumental in supporting our mission and driving forward our vision for climate resilience. | As highlighted earlier, TOP focuses its impact through core campaigns that drive tangible change. A prime example of this intersectional impact comes our TOP Co-Op program and from one of our TOP Co-Op graduates. TOP Co-Op is our 6-week, free digital climate leadership training program designed to empower individuals seeking to enter the climate movement. To date, we have trained 1,125 climate leaders globally through our English and Spanish programs. Alisha Shanti Chauhan, a graduate from the TOP Co-Op Fall 2023 cohort, exemplifies how our organization makes a difference. Alisha played a pivotal role in our campaign for SB 2575, which aimed to halt deep sea mining in Hawaiian waters. Through weeks of dedicated grassroots action led by Alisha, The Oxygen Project, and our network, we successfully overcame significant challenges, and SB 2575 was enacted into law. This achievement is a testament to how The Oxygen Project creates meaningful change and underscores our commitment to the ocean, people, and planet. | |||
| Trees Water People | https://treeswaterpeople.org/ | As an environmental organization with a human focus TWP envisions a future where people everywhere have opportunities to engage in work they can be proud of, and that their livelihoods contribute to the wellbeing of their families, communities, and the planet. | TWP cultivates local excellence by partnering with existing organizations, including nonprofits, small businesses, and Tribal governments, to support the goals and aspirations of the communities they serve. | |||
| Upendo United Foundation, Inc. | https://www.upendounitedfoundation.org | Our Upendo Technology skills stand out due to its comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to digital education and community empowerment. Unlike typical tech training programs, Upendo's initiative combines computer skills, financial literacy, communication skills and entrepreneurship to ensure holistic skills for participants. Also, our unique approach integrates innovative gardening with technology, further enriching the learning experience. | Our program bridges digital divide focusing on at-risk children/youth from low-income, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. Through strategic collaboration with Microsoft resources, tools, and mentorship, our technology program employs the Microsoft Learn for Educators and provides a unique blend of innovative organic farming, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and communication skills. By fostering partnerships with local tech companies and schools, Upendo provides pathways to internships for program graduates. By addressing the technological disparities faced by underserved communities, the Program creates a more equitable and empowered future for these students. By earning certificates from the Microsoft Learning Experience (MSLE), students can pursue employment or entrepreneurial paths, further enhancing their opportunities for success and growth. For example: This summer, Upendo's program empowered 15 students by teaching them ecosystem gardening integrated with technology and Make Code Arcade. The skills they acquired will help them develop a strong foundation in both sustainable agriculture and coding, enabling them to create tech-driven solutions for real-world environmental challenges. These skills will enhance their problem-solving abilities, foster innovation, and open pathways to future opportunities in tech and sustainable industries, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. | |||
| Uplift Climate | https://upliftclimate.org/ | Uplift Climate accomplishes amazing work on the frontlines, uplifting oppressed voices of Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color, and could use further support in paying their youth summer fellows and their programming at Indigenous-led community farm, Dragonfly Farms, a living wage. | Uplift Climate runs an annual summer youth fellowship meant to be a learning space grounded in community and cultural knowledge that forges relationships and friendships across the region and different frontline communities. Here, BIPOC, queer, and oppressed young people learn, share, and build together. Furthermore, in collaboration with Dragonfly Farm based in Tł’izí T’ooí, Diné Bikeyah, Uplift supports a summer farm fellow, learning alongside Indigenous land stewards about ways of keeping the land, farming, and building community. | |||
| Washington Fair Trade Coalition Education Fund | https://washingtonfairtrade.org/ | As the Director of the Washington Fair Trade Coalition, I see firsthand the critical impact our work has on communities across Washington State and beyond. We represent over 70 diverse member organizations, including labor unions, environmental groups, LGBTQIA+ organizations, and so much more. Our coalition is at the forefront of pushing for just, sustainable, and people-centered trade policies that challenge systems of economic oppression, corporate imperialism, and environmental exploitation. We are committed to addressing the intersectionality of issues like workers' rights, environmental sustainability, and human rights, especially as they relate to trade policy. Additional funding would enable us to expand our campaigns, increase public education efforts, and deepen partnerships with local, national, and global allies. With more resources, we could scale our work to address emerging challenges, support underrepresented communities, and continue advocating for policies that prioritize people and the planet. | Our organization is making a difference by demystifying trade policy and connecting it to the everyday issues that matter most—like job security, environmental protection, and corporate accountability. We focus on educating and mobilizing a very large cross-sector of groups to build a diverse movement representative of the people most impacted by trade. Along with education, we bring community members in and create collaborative spaces where people can shape our work and our trade campaigns. This includes initiatives like our trade vision paper process, where we convened a broad base of trade-impacted community members to discuss our shared values and specific concerns, ultimately drafting a people’s vision for trade policy. Our campaigns include a variety of strategies which allow all sorts of organizers to get involved. From demonstrations to educational webinars, art builds and op-eds, there is room and opportunity for everyone to get involved in shaping trade policy that works for people and the planet. One standout example of our impact is from 2023, when major trade negotiations came to Seattle. We organized large-scale educational events and demonstrations, collaborating with climate activists, labor unions, diaspora communities, and digital privacy advocates. Our collective efforts helped halt a trade deal that would have worsened environmental protections, wages, labor rights, and consumer privacy. Additionally, through our advocacy, the Biden administration withdrew U.S. support for harmful "digital trade" rules left over from the Trump era that would have undermined environmental protection, workers' rights, and weakened digital privacy protections. This kind of movement-building, where community members shape the work and join forces across sectors, is how we create meaningful, lasting change. | |||
| We All Need Food and Water | https://weallneedfoodandwater.org/ | With today's climate emergency touching every aspect of our lives, educating everyone about ways to minimize the impact of climate change is critical. In Minnesota, we are seeing extreme weather—from heat and drought to heavy downpours and flooding— that affect infrastructure, health, transportation, air and water quality, and more. We All Need Food and Water (WANFAW) recognizes that we need to initiate conversations now, and we must include everyone. Their programs empower community members to become active in the fight against climate change by using their voices and stories to educate and encourage others to help us reduce carbon emissions. WANFAW approaches the climate crisis in a unique way. They strive to educate youth and adults, build community, and facilitate the change the world needs without the traditional doom and gloom climate change narratives. They are infusing joy into the conversation and exploring solutions in unique and creative ways. Our world can use some joy right now, and WANFAW is sparking that joy, while using it to start conversations about what we can all do to help reverse the current climate trajectory. Equity is at the heart of their work, focusing on Environmental Justice neighborhoods in Minnesota. People in these communities are often left out of the conversation about climate change solutions. Climate scientist Dr. Hayhoe says, “No one does anything unless it feels important. And if no one is talking about it, how important can it be?” We All Need Food and Water is jump-starting climate change conversations with their FUN Events and Green Light Puppet shows that aim to serve everyone, especially people in underserved communities. They hope to enact a cultural shift toward taking action to fight the climate emergency. | WANFAW uses storytelling and community building to unite people around a common goal of combating the climate change crisis. Using these methods, they are able to reach all people in the community. Their puppet shows are great for kids and families, and their FUN Events are great for all community members. They were even featured on Yale Climate Connections (https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/01/puppet-king-teaches-minnesota-kids-about-climate-change/) and The Weather Channel (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/cm6BWw56kDehbv9o/)! Their Green Light Puppets Program is a great way to introduce kids in underserved schools to the art of puppetry and performance, while educating and empowering them to take action to combat climate change. They also have a program that teaches older students puppetry and leadership skills, so they can perform their own environmentally themed puppet shows for younger kids. These programs empower kids to explore and share their own solutions to climate change. Schools in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota have loved having these programs in their after school and summer programs. With continued cuts to funding for arts in public schools, these programs help to fill gaps in much needed arts and environmental education. Their other program, FUN Events, creates opportunities for community engagement and education while engaging in fun outdoor activities. They have done sailing, sleigh rides, passive house tours, bike rides, and more. Along with the events, they have hands-on STEM activities for kids and environmental education for adults. To make events accessible, WANFAW offers these events free of charge, with optional donations. They also provide translation and transportation when needed, making sure that anyone who wants to attend has access. In addition, WANFAW continues to innovate. Right now they are organizing a pilot program called "Green Subs—Making Substitute Teacher Days Feel Like Field Trips." Green Subs aims to transform underutilized substitute teacher days into critical and timely lessons about clean energy solutions and emerging career opportunities in the green economy. | |||
| West End P.O.W.E.R. | https://westendpowerpgh.org | I am nominating West End P.O.W.E.R., led by CEO Terri Minor Spencer, because of the incredible impact the "Colorful Backgrounds" program has on formerly incarcerated individuals. This program addresses one of the most critical and underserved issues in our community—helping people who have been released from jail reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose. Many individuals leaving the criminal justice system face significant barriers, including lack of resources, housing, employment opportunities, and a support system. "Colorful Backgrounds" steps in to bridge this gap by providing much-needed guidance and practical assistance. The program empowers these individuals to rebuild their lives and become contributing members of society, addressing systemic inequities while promoting social justice. Terri’s dedication to this work, combined with the real-life impact on those she serves, makes West End P.O.W.E.R. a powerful force for change in our community. The Justice and Access Grant would be instrumental in helping this program continue to grow and offer more opportunities for those in need. | West End P.O.W.E.R., through its "Colorful Backgrounds" program, is making a profound difference by supporting formerly incarcerated individuals during one of the most challenging times in their lives—their reentry into society. The organization provides practical resources such as job readiness training, mental health support, and housing assistance, helping individuals rebuild their lives from the ground up. These services directly tackle systemic barriers and racial inequities, offering a second chance to those who are often overlooked. One example of the program’s impact is a recent success story of an individual who, after serving time in prison, had no idea how to navigate life outside. Through Colorful Backgrounds, they received guidance on securing stable housing and employment, and more importantly, a community that believed in them. This person is now not only employed but also an advocate for others who are walking a similar path, showing how the program fosters long-term positive change. Terri Minor Spencer's leadership, combined with the program’s focus on empowerment and advocacy, is transforming lives and restoring hope for many who have been marginalized by the criminal justice system. |
2024 Access Nominees
| Organization Name | Organization's Website | Why are you nominating this organization? | How do you feel this organization is making a difference? Can you provide an example? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BICAS (Bicycle Inter Community Art and Salvage) | https://www.bicas.org | BICAS is a beautiful organization that focuses on having a positive impact on our community. They promote sustainablilty, art, and more. BICAS has made a positive influence in our lives and our children's lives. we recycle bikes, let people earn work-trade to buy a bike, and teach people to fix their bike. They help housless people get bikes The org has been a key supporter and active participant in environmental justice over the past 3 decades. Key roles have included ensuring that community members have access to bicycles, educational assistance for maintenance, salvaged and budget-friendly parts, as well as creative reuse programs for salvaged materials. The range of activity by this group is wide, art, hands on supported by volunteers, probably a prime reason Tucson enjoys a fine loop of managed bike, walking, sitting and shade places. Place got me excited to ride bikes again. While also giving me the education to be able to work on my own bike. They are an invaluable organization that provides affordable bicycles, parts, knowledge, and a welcoming and inviting culture that encourages environmental consciousness. BICAS is a hallmark example of what community can and should be. Bicas provides a valuable safe space for everyone (housed & unhoused, bipoc, neurodivergent, etc) while promoting inclusivity, mechanical skills, affordable repairs & bicycles, healthy green transportation, art, and so much more. They are invaluable for our community. They do a lot of great work for the community WTF Bike repair and ride nights, give more people access to knowledge and safe spaces. Build a bike program gets people on bikes without being cost prohibitive. BICAS is an incredible resource and we are lucky to have them. BICAS has been empowering Tucsonans with the skills and access to bicycle transportation for decades. They keep their costs low and the employees get by with very low salaries, so grants like this one man they can put on special programs. Bicas does great community work They are a queer and fem run bike shop that is a safe haven for POC and helps the community get affordable transportation via bike. They also provide a lot of education to the community. BICAS is an amazing community asset in Tucson, Arizona. They do everything from work-trade deals to help people earn bikes, to women/trans/femme bike rides, to classes of all levels/ages, to selling and refurbishing bikes and parts for the community. BICAS fills so many needs in our community that no other organization touches. By not just offering affordable bikes, but also training people — including people who have traditionally been excluded from bike culture — how to build and maintain bicycles, they support sustainable transportation, job and life skills, inclusivity, health and wellness, and poverty alleviation. They do all of this on a small budget but with big impact. I have total faith that every dollar that goes to BICAS is well used and makes a difference for individuals and our community as a whole. To increase sustainability I've worked with them a couple times, and have visited and donated and used their facilities to fix my bike and sell my art. They work very closely with the community of Tucson in many important ways, and they work hard to do more every year! Sustainable org since the late 80's BICAS is a great community cycling resource for those who are underprivileged and for anyone who likes working on their bikes. Enthusiastic supporter of cycling & community engagement Community workshops and sustainable transportation bikes as a form of transport are really overlooked in american cities, especially in the west, so a whole organization that advocates for and provides access to a bike community is really essential for improving conditions for people looking to shift away from the climate damaging, and dangerous, transportation of cars! and they also create art! They help people earn bikes, repair bikes and be accepting of others different than themselves. Because they’re an incredible organization that has helped me personally so much and they mean so much to the community. BICAS is a staple community organization here in Tucson, AZ — as in, it’s part of what makes Tucson, and i can’t imagine this city without it. They do so much for communities in Tucson (see below via my answer to the next question) and also provide safe space and allyship especially to BIPOC and LGBTQ community members. This grant would help them to continue to afford the ways in which they empower community members in Tucson to access sustainable bicycle transportation and the arts. They deserve the support "As part of the collective at BICAS, this grant would make a huge difference in the work that we're able to do! We've also recently hired new people, and the grant would be a boost to sustain the larger collective in continuing our work towards sustainable transportation for all. Also, as part of our programs, we hold a free drop-in art space where people can create using recycled bicycle parts and other materials they wouldn't otherwise have access to (weekly, except during summer months), and it would be amazing to have some nicer materials for our community to use this year! We receive a lot of donations of really janky bikes, and after salvaging reusable parts for the community, the work within our art programs ensures that nothing is wasted (or as little as possible, which gets recycled)." They help anyone and everyone who comes through their door to keep their bikes moving or help people purchase a working bike. I appreciate their mission of teaching people how to repair bicycles and making .bikes available to people who need them. They are a long standing organization within the Tucson community with a goal to help those youth through bicycle recycling and art along with providing a safe place. So helpful to the community. Bicas offers the whole community a lot ! Bicas empowers ALL of Tucson to ride, recycle and include all in bikes. BICAS is an all-inclusive non-profit community organization focused on bicycling's many positive aspects, especially encouraging youth in healthy outdoors activity through cycling, learning how to work on bikes, creating artworks from scrap bicycle parts, and more. I have participated in BICAS programs and have never felt so safe in a cycling environment. Being both trans and BIPOC, spaces that are transportation justice oriented or cycling oriented can often feel intimidating. BICAS avoids that by hiring diverse staff, reaching out to communities of color and LGBTQ+ folks, and actively cultivating a safe space. BICAS provides unparalleled support to diverse populations in the Tucson community, by promoting cycling in countless ways. Very effective, action oriented, community aware, non-profit. they do great work BICAS is an essential service to my community. helpful for bike community to have access to inexpensive parts and professional tools They are an amazing organization helping youth learn about bike building and maintaining and getting out in the community on bikes. They offer classes on bike maintenance for all ages and bike stands for folks in the community to work on their bikes and get help if they need it. They are kind, generous, knowledgeable people. Long recognized community service to the under served people in our community. For their great work to provide sustainable transportation to the less vulnerable portion of our society and providing opportunities for undeserved youth in our community They do good work for the community and provide valuable service Mutual aid and unity I have used their services and contributed to their mission. accessibility to sustainable transportation for all. BICAS is a true community “Bootstraps”, non-profit organization whose mission is to fulfill the need for sustainable and accessible bicycle transportation, education, art and salvage. Clients can earn a bicycle and learn mechanical skills to repair their bikes through Work Trade and Community Tools programs. BICAS is one of the few places in Tucson where youth can do court- or school-mandated Community Service. BICAS holds drop-in “Art Corners”, which lower barriers to the arts, and monthly Women/Trans/Femme rides and weekly workshops that co-create empowering and safe cycling and mechanics spaces for women, trans people of all genders, and femmes. BICAS also offers adult classes, workshops, and youth bicycle camps. BICAS depends completely on the generosity of donors, both monetary and in-kind (bikes and parts!), and auction events featuring fantastic and clever art objects created from found parts and other media. In existence 30+ years. Has incubated and spun off several successful bicycle-related groups/inclusive events. Managed collectively, not by a stifling board-staff construct. I have been involved with BICAS in some capacity on and off since 2001. They are an a well known institution in Tucson. This organization provides bicycles, bicycle parts, education about bicycle mechanics, and art programs at very low prices to low-income, houseless, Trans/femme and other marginalized communities in Tucson AZ. BICAS is often underfunded, overlooked, underrepresented in the main stream non-profit sector and cycling industry. BICAS makes many strides with individuals seeking bicycles & bicycle education. BICAS has many vibrant programs to address transportation issues within the community. BICAS also accepts scrap bike parts, these parts are diligently processed for its use on other bikes, recycled or turned into art. The art program at BICAS is often very underfunded as its staff work hard to provide scrap bike parts for art for local artists. Their work is important for multiple communities because they are a incredibly affordable option for bicycle repairs. This organization provides multiple programs for low income community members that contribute to sustainable transportation for many. Offers classes for the youth and adults in Tucson. Organizes outreach and volunteer opportunities as well as supports local outreach events and other types of events as well! Grant funding is a huge part of how they are able to do what they do. BICAS is an amazing resource for our community in Tucson. I've attended many of their events and been a financial and bicycle supply donor for many years. They do a lot of great work providing bicycle transportation and education resources focused on youth as well as undeserved and disadvantaged communities. For all the wonderful work they do for the Tucson community, from environmently focused community bike rides to helping people learn how to sustainably fix their bikes. Bicas is an integral part of the Tucson bike community. They provide inclusive and accessible transportation, community events, uplifting local artists teaching workshops & showing people how to be better to the environment thru riding a bike. They do a lot for the community with a little — let’s give’em a bit more to work with to stretch their impact a bit farther. They are awesome and helped me earn a bike about 10 years ago. BICAS is deserving Because they are a wonderful and necessary part of our community. BICAS works to make transportation more accessible to a very wide array of people through affordable bike repair and community engagement. BICAS exists to increase access to vital transpiration for many people who are unable to afford typical bike shop prices, people who are passionate about reusing and rebuilding bikes rather than creating waste, and people who have historically been discriminated against in patriarchal cycling culture. They provide avenues for community-members to gain access to sustainable bike transportation by offering mechanics education, access to tools and guidance from mechanics, low-cost bikes and parts as well as a Work-trade program so anyone can access these resources. They have been and continue to be a foundational organization in the community for sustainable transportation, racial and social justice and prioritize those who need transportation the most and historically have the least access. | They provide a safe and fun space for people of all ages and backgrounds, they promote sustainable transportation, workshops, and more. They care about their community and the world as a whole. They provide a safe and fun space for people of all ages and backgrounds, they promote sustainable transportation, workshops, and more. They care about their community and the world as a whole. Our bus system in Tucson is poor. A bike allows people to get where they need to go anytime they need to. They rescue parts from landills and use them to help offer people bicycles Accessible / Sustainable transportation and repair skills for low income, BIPOC and unhoused community members. The current training session for emerging cyclists to make their won bike is typical of the forward looking activities BICAS engages in. Swap meets ,etc Helping low income individuals by supplying community tools, education, along with used parts to either build or repair our bicycles. Consistent community outreach through group rides, free maintenance pop ups, earn-a-bike youth programs, work trade credit for the unhoused, affordable pricing, women, trans, and femme support. Every single time I go in, I learn something new about bicycles. They are making a difference through including all walks of life, providing safe spaces, promoting actionable methods of alternative healthy transportation, repsir skills, and do much much more. They help people in all walks of life. They create safe spaces for children, and adults with no to low costs. My son learned how to ride, and build a bike for free in the youth program. They are providing a space that I have not seen anywhere else in tucson. Art, salved gear and parts, community. They are so good. As a frugal college student from 2003-2008, I didn't have the money to get flat tires repaired. At BICAS I had the space, tools and support to do it myself for a lower cost. At the time my bike got me to school and work daily! I've gone to BICAS so many times since then when I'm looking to repair it upgrade my bike at the lowest cost and while learning how to execute the improvements myself. Holding workshops to fix your bike They have a lot of educational programs for youth and give bikes to youth in the community. This organization is making it easier for folks of all backgrounds to get and maintain their bikes. One way they do this is through work-trade, where people who cannot afford a bike can instead do some work for the shop in order to earn credit towards their own bike. I work at a shelter for unhoused women, and I recommend they attend BICAS’ WTF (women, trans, femme) programs to learn new skills and open the door to sustainable transportation for their future — all in a very welcoming and supportive environment. These are all huge things for the guests we work with who are used to being excluded because of who they are, their status as unhoused, and they’re limited resources. They are very community minded They offer so many opportunities: their main use is as a pay by the hour facility where you can use their tools and fix your bike. They also host art fairs for local artists and small businesses (such as myself), and regular art and educational workshops- often the teacher is a local who is paid! They also host regular bike rides for youth and for trans individuals. And more I'm sure I've missed! Reusing bikes and connecting folx to them BICAS provides resources like Earn a Bike and Work-Trade programs to help the community. Affordable bicycle access & youth development Providing the space for others to build and fix bikes with or without help, offering a place to donate/buy used bicycle parts, gear and accessories providing access to a space in which to work and learn about bikes and access to a community of bikers to engage with! i had my car die last summer and they were super helpful in teaching me how to repair the old bike i had so i could have transportation to work and around the city! I took a hike repair class and fixed up a bike for someone to buy inexpensively and use. I learned bike maintenance at the same time. Their weekly WTF (woman, trans, femme) classes/workshops and rides. I’ve heard people visiting from across the country talk about how they admire the accessibility BICAS creates through it and enables more people to get on bicycles. I appreciate all the ways in which this organization works hard to ensure that people — especially those in marginalized communities — have the means to be able to get around town that also maintains good health for both people and the environment. They have a place where people can bring in their bikes to get them fixed, teach folx through classes how to repair/maintain or even build their own bikes, offer work trade and supply tools shared by the community so people have the means to get their bikes up and running, and even host a youth camp, art mart, and specific days/evenings for women/trans/femmes to work on their bikes/do their own community ride around town. These are just a few examples, but they also illustrate some of the highest needs BICAS meets for community members here in Tucson on a regular basis. I recently got a bike through their work-trade "BICAS provides access to sustainable bicycle transportation! In the Work Trade program, customers can earn shop credit on a walk-in basis, which they can use to buy used bikes and Community Tools space (where a mechanic will teach them any repair they need). With 21% of BICAS customers houseless, and many more underemployed or experiencing poverty, it’s an important resource for many people who couldn’t otherwise have access to bicycles! BICAS also has programs like a weekly Women/Trans/Femme Workshop to empower people who are often excluded from mechanics spaces due to gender, to gain and develop the skills and confidence to work on and repair their own bikes in a safe and welcoming space." Personally, As a bike commuter, They have helped me fix my bike for many many years. BICAS organizes rides and community events that elevate artists. Great youth program for all economic and social status on how to build and maintain a bicycle. They provide the tools, parts and mentorship for the builds. They also provide safe classes on bicycle maintenance for women and LGBTQ. Helping homeless and disabled persons with transportation. Young and older people get together under this banner. They empower kids, LGBTQIA communities, and lower socioeconomic groups by helping to access bikes for commuting and LIFE! "Those who visit the BICAS shop can earn a bike, or learn to repair their bikes through the Work-Trade and Community Tools programs. BICAS is one of the few places in Tucson where youth can do court- or school-mandated Community Service. BICAS holds drop-in weekly Art Corners, which help make the arts more accessible to everyone, and they organize monthly Women/Trans/Femme rides, which together with weekly workshops co-create welcoming & non-intimidating cycling and mechanics spaces for women, trans people of all genders, and femmes. BICAS also offers adult classes, workshops, and youth bicycle camps. BICAS is a grass-roots organization welcoming all and building community. " Without BICAS, many Tucsonans would not have access to an affordable bike shop and bicycle education. I myself work for less than $2000 a month and often do not have the extra funds to spend on my bike. BICAS' cheap and sliding scale services allowed me to fix my bike last month. They offer skills and products to those in need. Helps underserved learn useable skills, develop artistic ability, provides means of local transport. teaching bike repair and recycling among many other things. Many people in my area depend on bicycles for transportation. professional bike tools are very expensive for bikes and makes it difficult for riders to own and maintain inexpensive bikes. bicas allows riders to maintain their bikes without having to be upcharged by repair shops or having to buy expensive tools for a simple repair As a car-free retiree they have helped me learn how to better maintain my bike. They set up bike repair for the local cyclovia events. If we drop by there is always someone to help us. Support, in some cases, the only transportation needs of the under served by recycling donated bicycles. Providing bicycles for people that could buy one through "regular" outlets with innovative ways to have them earn a bike and then teaching them how to maintain and service it They provide bicycles and repair assistance to enable independent transportation for people who may not be able to afford a car or even a traditional bicycle shop. By consistently being available, present, respectful. As a former bicycle shop owner, I know the level of effort it takes to provide a community-based bicycle shop sales, repair, and training facility. People who cannot afford to buy a bicycle have the opportunity at BICAS to trade their volunteer hours for the transportation they really need. Bringing back confidence to under-serve people by training and supply low cost bikes. By increasing access to sustainable transportation (recycling old bikes into more bikes!) and providing education and services to underserved and vulnerable community members (skills and independence!). BICAS stats: “With 21% of our customers houseless, 45% unemployed, 81% making under 12K annually, and 16% living with a disability, the work we do is crucial to get bicycles into the hands of those who both need them most, and who have least options for getting them.” This is grass-roots, practical social justice action that works! BICAS provides both inexpensive transportation and the skills needed to make that transportation reliable. This organization just had two weeks of programming for youths. Kids aged 8-13 came into the shop for a week to learn bike mechanics and earn their own bike. This leads to more kids riding bikes and having the knowledge to fix their own bikes. Every Monday the shop is open for Women, Trans and Femmes to come in use the space. This creates a safe space for people of these marginalized identities to learn about bikes. This organization makes a difference in people’s lives by helping underprivileged people get transportation. It also takes pride in its reuse of bike parts, from building bikes, teaching people how to build bike and making art from broken or worn down bike parts. It’s work with youth helps foster critical thinking, problem solving and do-it-yourself ethics. They give unhoused Tucsonans the ability to keep their bikes maintained, a people who need bikes and rely heavily on bikes to get around town and live. They give families a cheap option for buyings and fixing bikes for their families. Refugee communities also use their services for earning credit for bikes and repairing them. All these people have also taken on the work to learn how to maintain their bike so as time moves forward, they become independent bike owner who are able to fix their transportation. This helps communities who are seeking to stay healthy, communities who are intent on sustainable transportation, and communities who are intent on saving money. "Helps the community keep their bikes running for an affordable price. Provides opportunities for youth to learn and get active! etc!" BICAS holds youth earn-a-bike programs, bicycle maintenance classes and Women/Trans/Femme focused programming as well as community events on a regular basis. Providing a space for learning to live more sustainably by fixing what is broken instead of replacing. Bicas can make a difference by giving access to cycling to young and vulnerable populations. Young people and people who live in the margins(trans and queer/black and brown youth). This gives them a sense of autonomy which is really important to these populations! Education and empowerment getting and keeping more people on bikes both recreationally and as a form of primary transportation. Access to transportation and empowerment for maintaining one's bicycle so that each rider is educated and confident. More competent riders invite more riders which makes the world literally a better place. Fosters positive earth friendly community. sliding scale fees. watch the foyer for an hour ;+) Educating the community. Reusing, repurposing, and recycling old bikes and bike parts. Community outreach. Community art. Every day someone comes into the shop with a bike in desperate need of repair andno funds, is able to do worktrade, and leaves having been taught how to fix their bike. As a collective member at BICAS, I help hundreds of people every year get bikes that they don't have to pay any money for, and teach them how to repair their bikes themselves. I see a difference made in individual people when they gain confidence in their own knowledge and skill with their bikes - especially when I get the privilege of working with queer people, women, and youth! This organization provides avenues for low-income and houseless communities to gain access to transportation as well as promoting a thriving community through cycling. BICAS's mission prioritizes accessibility to sustainable transportation for all, through their Work Trade and Community Tools programs. With 21% of their customers houseless, 45% unemployed, 81% making under 12K annually, and 16% living with a disability, the work they do is crucial to get bicycles into the hands of those who both need them most, and who have least options for getting them. They also provide safe spaces for BIPOC, LGBQT+ community members to fix, build, make art with and ride bicycles. |
| BikePGH | https://bikepgh.org/ | I have seen the work they have done in the city of Pittsburgh and I was very impressed. Bikepgh has helped advance sustainable transportation in Pittsburgh while also advocating to protect cyclists and pedestrians through improved infrastructure. They have built up the cycling community through incredible events and rides like pedal Pittsburgh and open streets I have seen the work they have done in the city of Pittsburgh and I was very impressed. Bikepgh has helped advance sustainable transportation in Pittsburgh while also advocating to protect cyclists and pedestrians through improved infrastructure. They have built up the cycling community through incredible events and rides like pedal Pittsburgh and open streets I am nominating BikePGH because it is rare that you can literally see the improvements that an organization is making in your city, especially as someone who has only been passively involved for the most part. BikePGH, despite its name, is about more than just bikes. It's safer streets. It's more accessible transportation. It's a healthier environment for all of us. I am nominating BikePGH because the entire city of Pittsburgh feels the impact of their work. I live in Pittsburgh. I've witnessed the transformation of Pittsburgh first hand: when I first lived here in the mid-2000s I was afraid to bike, but now the entire city has changed and I now bike to work twice a week. This matters because my family only has one car, so getting to work was a challenge for me. Apparently 25% of households in Pittsburgh don't even have one car, so I am not the only one who has benefitted from new bike lanes, neighborways, trails, bike racks, and transportation policies. I believe BikePGH's advocacy is a huge part of the city's transformation. Their commitment to bike safety and access to all communities in Pittsburgh is clear, and they are very effective at collaborating with the city to have a larger impact. I am nominating them, because I know the grant will be put to good use. | Pittsburgh is really becoming bicycle friendly and I attribute much of that to this group. Bikepgh focuses on increasing access to biking and walking in marginalized communities. At a recent memorial for a little girl who was hit by a car on her bike, bikepgh was there passing out helmets to the community and making sure there would be improvements at the intersection. Pittsburgh is really becoming bicycle friendly and I attribute much of that to this group. Bikepgh focuses on increasing access to biking and walking in marginalized communities. At a recent memorial for a little girl who was hit by a car on her bike, bikepgh was there passing out helmets to the community and making sure there would be improvements at the intersection. BikePGH shines in its advocacy. Just this summer, they worked to improve the area leading up to Riverview park by my house, which included bike lanes, a mural for traffic calming / a more protected area near the library and playground, and speed bumps to slow people down. This area has been historically lower income, and these neighborhoods don't always get neighborhood improvements without organizations like BikePGH advocating for them and these changes. Other examples that I am more familiar with is their events that help open up biking possibilities to people that might have a harder time doing it in other circumstance (OpenStreetsPGH - where they shut down streets to allow people to bike, walk, hang out without traffic, while also highlighting new bike routes or interconnected neighborhoods; and WMNBikePGH Summit - where they empower women and non-binary individuals to feel confident biking in the city; Operation Illumination - where they handout lights and bike helmets). I honestly feel like BikePGH improves the lifeblood of the city and offers up a hand of opportunity to those who might not otherwise have it, no matter your age, race, gender, occupation, income bracket, etc. As I said above, a visit to Pittsburgh will see visually the way BikePGH is making a difference. My neighborhood, which isn't affluent and doesn't have a grocery store, now has protected bike lanes, bike lanes, posts and painted asphalt that now allows me to bike to the grocery store. In addition, I have two daughters, so I appreciate the Women and Non-binary Bike group that BikePGH organizes. In fact this week is their yearly Women and Non-binary Summit. |
| Bikes for All People | https://www.bikes4allpeople.com/ | Bikes for All People is a beacon of environmental justice on the South Side of Columbus, dedicated to fostering community, equity, and sustainability. This non-profit serves as a crucial resource for low-to-moderate-income community members by providing affordable and accessible bicycles, parts, and repair services. For many, these bikes are not just a means of transportation but a lifeline that enables mobility, access to opportunities, and a reduction in carbon footprint. The organization’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is evident in how it brings together cyclists from various backgrounds, cultures, and experience levels, creating an authentic and supportive community. Whether individuals are cycling for exercise, mental health, or as their primary mode of transport, Bikes for All People ensures they have the resources and support they need. Furthermore, the organization’s volunteer program is transformative, offering meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage in community service, learn valuable skills in bicycle repair and maintenance, and connect with a diverse group of people. This empowerment through movement and mobility not only enhances the quality of life for participants but also contributes to a more sustainable and connected community. By nominating Bikes for All People, I am advocating for an organization that embodies the principles of environmental justice, inclusivity, and community empowerment, making it a deserving recipient of the Environmental Justice Action Grant. "I am nominating El Grupo Youth Cycling because of its exceptional impact on young people in my community. This organization excels in multiple areas crucial for teen growth: Health and Sustainability: El Grupo introduces young people to cycling, promoting both personal health and environmentally friendly transportation. Nature Access: This organization makes outdoor experiences accessible to teens who might otherwise lack the resources or support to explore beyond urban areas. Community Building: The program fosters a supportive, real-world community that provides teens with a sense of belonging and care. Personal Growth: By encouraging goal-setting and embracing challenges, El Grupo helps teens develop resilience and self-confidence. Character Development: Through opportunities for community service, practicing good sportsmanship, and learning to handle both success and setbacks gracefully, the program instills valuable life skills and ethical principles. El Grupo Youth Cycling stands out for its approach to youth development, addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of teens, while nurturing environmental awareness and building leadership and community development skills in participants. ""I am nominating El Grupo Youth Cycling because of its exceptional impact on young people in my community. This organization excels in multiple areas crucial for teen growth: Health and Sustainability: El Grupo introduces young people to cycling, promoting both personal health and environmentally friendly transportation. Nature Access: This organization makes outdoor experiences accessible to teens who might otherwise lack the resources or support to explore beyond urban areas. Community Building: The program fosters a supportive, real-world community that provides teens with a sense of belonging and care. Personal Growth: By encouraging goal-setting and embracing challenges, El Grupo helps teens develop resilience and self-confidence. Character Development: Through opportunities for community service, practicing good sportsmanship, and learning to handle both success and setbacks gracefully, the program instills valuable life skills and ethical principles. El Grupo Youth Cycling stands out for its approach to youth development, addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of teens, while nurturing environmental awareness and building leadership and community development skills in participants. " | Bikes for All People is a vital resource on the South Side of Columbus, offering invaluable support to everyone who walks through its doors. Whether someone needs to air up their tires, replace a worn-out part, or desperately needs a functioning bike to get to work, Bikes for All People goes above and beyond to meet their needs. The organization's commitment to serving the community is unwavering, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the mobility they need. As a volunteer and board member, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact this organization has on individuals' lives. I recall one instance where a community member who relied on their bike to get to work came in with a broken chain. Without a quick repair, they risked missing their shift and losing a day's wages. The staff and volunteers immediately sprang into action, not only fixing the chain but also performing a full safety check to ensure the bike was in optimal condition. This level of care and dedication is not uncommon; it’s the standard at Bikes for All People. The organization’s impact extends beyond just repairs and services. By providing affordable access to bicycles, Bikes for All People empowers individuals to take control of their transportation, reduce their environmental impact, and improve their overall quality of life. The difference this organization makes is seen daily in the gratitude and relief of those they serve, and it is why I am proud to be a part of their mission. "El Grupo Youth Cycling has a transformative impact on young people through their promotion of the bicycle as a means to engage fully in life. My son's journey with El Grupo exemplifies the organization's life-changing impacts. As a young person with learning disabilities and ADHD, he has struggled to find his place in traditional educational settings. When he joined El Grupo, my son found coaches who believed in him, a rigorous training schedule that promoted fitness and exercise, a community of like-minded, active friends, and opportunities to take healthy risks on the bicycle. Through this organization he has learned to be accountable to a team, to be organized, to show up to practice on time, and to independently manage his nutrition and training plans. He has learned the trails and the parks of our region, the safest route from one side of town to the other, and how to fix anything that could break on a bicycle. El Grupo gave my son his independence, a community to belong to, and a passion for bikes and the desert. This transformative experience is not unique to my son. Countless other young people have discovered their potential, built lasting friendships, and developed a lifelong passion for cycling and environmental stewardship. El Grupo Youth Cycling is cultivating a generation of health-conscious, environmentally aware citizens whose enthusiasm for sustainable living and community building will positively influence our world. " |
| BikeWalk Williamsburg | https://www.bikewalkwilliamsburg.org/ | I am the part-time manager of the Bicycle Co-Op of Williamsburg (BCOW), a project of the nonprofit BikeWalk Williamsburg (BWW). With the exception of my role and one other part time employee, we are entirely volunteer-ran. BWW offers programs serving diverse populations in the Greater Williamsburg area in southeastern Virginia. These programs address the needs of youth, low resourced individuals with barriers to accessing transportation, those with mobility challenges, and elderly people residing in our community. Additionally, BWW encourages alternative transportation through collaborations with the National Park Service, Parks and Rec, and local bike clubs for annual events. Safe cycling education is provided by BWW in our public schools plus BCOW enlists volunteer mechanics for events held on campus. Advocacy for expanded biking and pedestrian facilities is done through teamwork with localities and VDOT. Sustainability practices are also a core value of BCOW through our efforts at reducing landfill waste, recycling what we cannot reuse, and incorporating more environmentally friendly approaches for refurbishing donated bikes. With greater financial support, we could enhance these programs and even expand upon what we currently offer. This would further strengthen our mission of fostering a bicycling and walking friendly community through education, communication, advocacy, and encouragement for all. | One example of BWW making a difference is through its program, the Bicycle Co-Op of Williamsburg. BCOW collaborates with over 20 human services agencies and nonprofits serving low resourced populations through our Voucher Program. Our partners distribute these vouchers to their clients who are then able to come to BCOW to “shop” for a bike valued up to $150. Beyond receiving a bike, voucher customers are also given a bike lock and safety lights, both of which are crucial as many work evening shifts that extend beyond our local bus services in our predominately resort and tourist workforce. To demonstrate the impact of this program, BCOW has donated 129 voucher bikes, helmets, lights, and locks to voucher customers between January to the end of August, 2024. For the same time period in 2023, we donated the above to only 85 customers - a 52% increase! |
| BSpoke | https://www.nativemovement.org/bspoke | BSpoke is a community driven group that supports BIPOC cyclists in Alaska by working to break down barriers of access and entry into cycling. They also help cultivate community for BIPOC cyclists; increasing our representation and safety out on the trails. They are volunteer led and have been growing over the past two years, scheduling monthly bike rides and gatherings and partnering with local orgs and companies. | BSpoke has been able to support folks who have never ridden a bike, or haven't ridden in 10+ years due to not having a bike, to finally get out on the local trails. BSpoke has hosted several rides with over 20 attendees who have noted that it was the first time they had ever seen other BIPOC folks on a bike on the local trails. This type of representation and safety is so important and leads to more folks on bikes. Biking is tied to so many justice issues and it is such a joyful path to community and engagement! And finally, BSpoke rotates where the bike rides happen; helping to showcase the incredible greenway trails throughout Anchorage, that many riders have said they wouldn't otherwise know about! |
| Buffalo County Land and Trails Trust dba The Flyway Trail | https://www.flywaytrail.com | We are in need of funding to help with the completion of Phase II of the Flyway Trail (to be completed in 2025). We need approximately $200,000 to cover engineering and construction costs. | The Flyway Trail provides bicycle and hiking access to the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and Perot State Park for residents in the area. It also will serve as a link extending a network of trails that begin in Reedsburg, WI and will extend 108 miles to Winona, MN. |
| California Bicycle Coalition | https://www.calbike.org/ | As a staff member with the California Bicycle Coalition for the last four years, I have witnessed firsthand the steadfast commitment of the organization’s board of directors, staff, volunteers, and members to our movement for a California that offers safer streets, connected communities, and a sustainable future. CalBike is one of the leading advocacy voices in California representing the challenges facing people who bike, walk, and use public transportation. The organization’s advocacy is crucial to the advancement of bicycling for daily transport and recreation in California. And CalBike’s work around the state, in partnership with local coalitions and aligned organizations, and through our California Bicycle Summit, truly aims to amplify the efforts of partners to achieve collective progress. | CalBike is quickly approaching its 30th anniversary, and over the years, the organization has been instrumental in advancing influential legislation to protect people who bike in California, including the Three Feet for Safety Act, the Protected Bikeways Act, 2022’s OmniBike Bill, and more recently, the Freedom to Walk Act. We’ve secured and shaped historic funding increases for active transportation, and helped elevate to state commissions and agencies the voices of California communities that are most burdened by the negative impacts of our transportation system. Recently, CalBike’s advocacy was essential in passing the legislation that secured funding for California’s first statewide E-Bike Purchase Incentive Project, set to launch in 2024, and estimated to provide over 15,000 low-income Californians with financial support to purchase an electric bicycle and necessary accessories. And in the summer of 2024, CalBike will release a comprehensive report of thousands of pages of public project documents from the California Department of Transportation, which outlines how the agency is falling far short of implementing its own Complete Streets policies on state roadways, shortchanging the safety of people who bike, walk, and use transit. We’ll use the findings to push to codify Complete Streets priorities into state law, with a focus on this year’s Complete Streets Bill, SB 960. |
| Central New York Family Bicycle Giveaway | https://cnyfamilybike.org/ | Jan Maloff started this organization in his garage 25 years ago because he thought every child should be able to own a bike. Over the years it has grown to a Christmas giveaway of over 2,000 bikes, gathered, cleaned up and repaired, and distributed by volunteers from an inner city school in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the country. Seven years ago, Jan was diagnosed with cancer, and although he presses on, the stamina to continue to run the organization has been compromised. The funds from this grant would help buy new bike parts, insurance, and fuel for the van which travels in the city to help in the summer to repair bikes. | I have volunteered with this organization for over 10 years. The dedication of the volunteers, and the donors is inspirational, but at the giveaway, the joy of the children and their caregivers is unsurpassed. A woman last year was looking at her first bike ever, with a basket so she could ride to a store for groceries; a man needed transportation to work because the bus route to his job had been changed, and the children! It is truly Christmas when you see the joy of choosing their own shining bike from one of the hundreds available to them. |
| El Grupo Youth Cycling | https://elgrupocycling.org | "I have been a board member of this organization for the last 3.5 years, because I believe in its mission to empower youth through cycling. I have seen the impact that it has made for riders in the community, introducing them to cycling for wellness and community. This organization believes that everyone belongs on a bike and their programming gives this access to se many, regardless of socioeconomic status, and serves neighborhoods that are diverse and underserved when it comes to access to youth programs. Alumni of the program have gone on to professional careers in cycling showing future generations that the values learned and developed through the program can help them achieve their goals and dreams. El Grupo works hard to ensure the makeup of the participants is diverse so all youth can see themselves represented on a bike. In addition to serving the youth riders in skill building, they partner closely with organizations in Tucson that promote safe streets for bikes and pedestrians, keeping our neighborhoods clean and safe, being good stewards of the trails for mountain biking, and others that promote clean sustainable cities. I am nominating El Grupo because it is a unique organization that creates access and equity within the sport of cycling. El Grupo has done tremendous things for my two children. I would love to see more kids have access to the phenomenal programs El Grupo offers. This organization has supported my three children since 2016 learn how to safely ride bikes on the road, on trails, race bikes, and beyond. " El Grupo has been making a big impact with Tucson youth by building confidence and growth. The organization wants to take the next steps of building more access to programs and serve a greater part of the community. Grants and funding will help El Grupo achieve that success. | "This organization inspires youth to give back, here's one example of how one motivated rider raised $4k to support the organization's mission. https://www.instagram.com/p/C30PapmpJxU/?igsh=ZzZ6emM3NTNyajQ1 Bike packing is also one of the many programs that teach riders to be good stewards of the land. Programing includes trail maintenance. Additional they have worked with the neighborhood and city to plant trees and make improvements to the property that the club operates out of with rain basins and xerascaping. El Grupo breaks down financial barriers to the transformative power of bicycles. Regardless of socioeconomic background, youth are able to learn valuable skills like communications, leadership, and self-trust through the power of the bicycle. El Grupo is teaching youth life skills on and off the bike. Last year, my then 14 year old son found himself in some trouble. As a parent, I didn’t know how to respond so I enlisted the help of his head coach at El Grupo. After meeting with Coach Ignacio, my son was given the chance to make things right again. Ignacio chalk my son to collect donated bikes. Together, the two of them fixed them up. After collecting and fixing 10 bikes, Ignacio arranged for my son to deliver them to underprivileged kids at a school where El Grupo has an after school program. My son was moved by the excitement of these kids and their families. The experience was a great learning lesson for my son. They have been providing access to bikes, cycling for recreation or sport (competitive or goal based) for close to 20 years. They started by focusing on youth that do not have the financial resources or come from a cycling family to have access. When we first began with the organization, our household qualified for a scholarship to attend their Summer Bike Camp. After one week my son, now 17, decided that cycling would be his passion. My middle daughter, 13, followed in his footsteps and my youngest attended programming long enough to know how to safely ride her bike to commute. I am so grateful that we were able to get our family into programming because of financial needs based scholarships, otherwise this opportunity might not have been available for us. " El Grupo teaches the youth to safely bicycle and navigate through our neighbourhoods and streets of Tucson. This helps build confidence and empowers the youth by showing them they can handle something that can be stressful, sharing the road with bicycles and vehicles, safely and confidently. My son participates in El Grupo’s weekly, after-school bike ride (El Grupito) and not only does he look forward to riding with his classmates, he displays greater confidence on his bicycle when he and I are on our personal rides. I even let him take lead on many of our rides and I do not stress because he implements safe riding practices learned from El Grupo. |
| Experience Learning Inc | https://experience-learning.org/ | Experience Learning has a long history of working in youth development in some of the poorest parts of Appalachia, and they have a growing initiative to work with BIPOC communities and increase access to the outdoors for urban kids. Working along the entire watershed of the Potomac, the organization works with both economically disadvantaged mountain kids and kids in challenging situations in downstream urban centers. One of their partners is Prime Ability, who received support last year. I am their contract bookkeeper and see the awesome work they are doing. They are constantly trying to bring the importance of taking care of our environment to the next generation. They have a special focus on BIPOC youth and are always looking to expand their reach to those who can make a difference in the upcoming generation. | Experience Learning is sharing wild places with disadvantaged youth through bikes, trails, camping and learning with kids who would likely never get the opportunity. While I mentioned Prime Ability, they also work with West Virginia foster kids, incarcerated youth and many other disadvantaged populations, increasing environmental literacy, self confidence and coping skills. Everything Experience Learning (ExL) does is focused on bringing people together in natural environments. Their goal is to provide real experiences to youth both locally and regionally. I personally know of several kids who have attended camp and have left changed for the better. These are kids who are now focused on taking care of the environment. I personally know a camper who has been attending for years, first as a female and then when they socially transitioned, as a male. ExL didn't hesitate to include the teen and use the new name and pronouns. ExL recently started a grant funded program to bring BIPOC kids from Washington DC to experience the wilds of WV. Every trip they do with youth includes some kind of stewardship component. Not only are the trips providing the necessary connection to the environment for future conservation but these trips also instill the confidence in the campers to trust themselves and connect with others who may not be like them. Experience Learning isn't limited to youth, they also provide programming for adults as well to help keep the environmental connection strong as we age. |
| Free Cycles and Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation | https://www.freecycles.org/ | I'm nominating Free Cycles because of the phenomenal work they do making bikes available to children and adults in our region, for being a hub and center for gatherings in the community, for their advocacy work to bring sustainable transportation and street design to Missoula, and for the beautiful energy (you can feel the goodhearted, community vibe when you walk in the door) that they bring to Missoula and area at large. Free Cycles is one of the brightest lights around — so I'm nominating them to support their work and their vision for expanding the scale of their advocacy. | The bike shop/community center has counted over 250,000 visits, Free Cycles has donated more than 3000 bikes to kids around the state, over 22,000 free bicycles have been built, 6,500 people have attended BikeWell classes, 800 tons of material has been diverted from scrap, Free Cycles has held more than 200 outreach events in the community, and Free Cycles has hosted (for free, on site) more than 300 community gatherings for educational orgs, local musicians and performers, and bike and sustainable transportation advocacy. |
| I Challenge Myself | https://www.IChallengeMyself.org | The programs offered by I Challenge Myself ("ICM") introduce public school youth from the underserved communities of Harlem, South Bronx and Washington Heights New York to the benefits of cycling and endurance sports. I have seen first hand how the power of the bicycle has positively impacted the development of these students. Participating students excel in school and learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle while exploring the great outdoors along the Hudson River Valley Greenway. ICM also has partnered with the NY Department of Transportation to enable the students to participate in the redesign of streets around the school and neighborhood to make them more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. The alternative physical education programs offered by ICM in participating public schools have been serving underserved students in low income communities since 2005. ICM also leads College Bike Tours to selected High School students. This tour opens doors to students that might not have been aware of some of the surrounding colleges. The programs offered by ICM prove that the simple power of the bicycle can expand access to the outdoors for underserved communities and help shape the mind, body and souls . ICM opens doors and develop a spirit of what is possible. | At the end of each school year, there is a century ride for the the I Challenge Myself students. For the past three years, I have volunteered as a chaperone for the ride. I have been amazed at the development of the students and the impact that cycling has played in their lives. While I ride along side the students, I learned how ICM provided them with opportunities to explore new areas outside the city, go on college bike tours, partner with the NYC Department of Transportation, present street re-design ideas to the city counsel and participate in cycling apprenticeships. But more importantly, I saw how the simple joy of riding a bicycle shapes a positive can-do attitude and teaches you to overcome adversity during difficult times. Cycling provides an outlet and builds bonds that last. |
| Lucky to Ride | https://luckytoride.org/ | Lucky to Ride invests in kids from under-resourced communities and works tirelessly to create equitable access to cycling (mainly mountain biking) and the wonders of the outdoors. We have a few programs: 1. The Rides Program which gets youth out on mountain biking day trips close to the Denver metro-area. 2. The Learn-to-Earn Program and Bicycle Maintenance Class - STEM-based bicycle-focused mechanics course. 3. The Youth@Work Program - This is a year-long paid internship program at Lucky Bikes that teaches kids foundational skills, increasing their social capital, helps develop leadership skills, and addresses their mental health and wellness. 4. High School Mountain Bike Team - This team gets historically disadvantaged youth out riding mountain bikes, camping and exploring the outdoors while offering them a chance to compete with other high school aged youth on an even playing field. The program demographic is BIPOC students. We want our youth to: have fun with a new activity. Feel included in the community around cycling. Find a sense of independence, and continue to participate in cycling into adulthood. We want them to benefit at all ages from the physical and mental health improvements that come with remaining active, particularly outdoors. Our youth will hopefully gain confidence in trying new things and end up trying other outdoor recreational activities. Lucky to Ride wants everyone to have access to a reliable bike and the knowledge needed to continue cycling as a lifelong activity. We also operate Lucky Bikes Re-Cyclery a full service bike shop and social enterprise business that serves as a hands-on training site for our youth and helps generate income to support programming. Lucky Bikes rescues bikes from landfills and gives them new life by taking donated bikes and bike parts, refurbishing them and selling them back to the community. We take every part of the bike and recycle what we can't reuse. This environmentally consciousness effort has a positive effect on the environment. | Cycling can be an expensive and difficult activity for new people with limited experience to get into. It also requires a lot of knowledge and can feel intimidating to start. Inequitable access to cycling, outdoor recreation, and the outdoor recreation industry is a persistent challenge. Many factors make cycling and especially mountain biking hard to participate in, including a lack of diverse representation in the outdoor industry and in professional cycling. From sponsored athletes, bicycle company employees, to YouTube biking channels, most industry professionals are white, and also male. This can discourage others from feeling comfortable asking questions, committing to learning, and feeling like they belong in the cycling community. Financial barriers are also a significant obstacle for new young riders. Walmart bicycles remain the most accessible, and detrimental to the cycling experience. They are built to fail, difficult to repair, and are less enjoyable to ride. Lucky to Ride offers programs for free to students and families. Participants earn a quality geared bike and the skills and knowledge to continue to ride for their lifetime. Our shop manager, Fernando, is a former program participant. Additionally, our lead mechanic was a youth@work intern. At the time, he was experiencing homelessness and struggled to complete high school. With his internship, he excelled and gained the confidence to get his GED. Now he works full time at Lucky Bikes, has stable housing and is a huge asset to the team. There are tons of other stories of impact! |
| Mountains2Sea | https://mtns2sea.org/ | Mountains2Sea is the real deal. Cofounders Brian and Jamey King have such a passion for improving the lives of others. Their authenticity and compassion shine through every aspect of their program. They are extraordinary role models for students who may not have any positive adult influences in their lives. They recognize and deliver the positive impact that being out in nature enjoying it's beauty while exercising and overcoming challenges has on a person. Students in their program are listened to, valued, and given tools to achieve their goals. | The youth MTNS2SEA serves struggle disproportionately with social anxiety and isolation, depression, gender dysphoria, anger management, drug addiction, youth incarceration and/or parent incarceration, limited success in school, personal trauma, and other problems connected to poverty. MTNS2SEA partners with schools to provide the MTNS2SEA program during school hours so that this healing program becomes a part of their school week for 12 weeks out of the year. The youth served have been affected by societal inequities preventing them from accessing the benefits of nature, especially for families experiencing poverty and people of color. For many of the MTNS2SEA youth, it is the first time they are visiting the state parks, reserves, and outdoor spaces right in their community, and they learn how to access and enjoy the spaces with the hope that they will return with family and friends. I have seen first hand the impact this can have on youth. MTNS2SEA has 4 groups each Fall and each Spring and every year there are a handful of kids who never learned to ride a bike. This is a skill many of us take for granted and for these youth it is often a sign of a missed childhood opportunity. The MTNS2SEA leaders delight in teaching kids to ride for the first time and the confidence and pride the students display after learning is priceless. One story was especially impactful for the leaders and volunteers as well as the rest of the youth group. Bryan is partially blind and is being raised by a blind mother. Many of the typical childhood experiences, like riding a bike, was unavailable to Bryan because of his circumstances. This story came from Bryan’s second MTNS2SEA experience when served as a peer mentor, which the youth can apply for after they have completed the program once. In his first experience, he was unsuccessful at learning to ride. Although we were patient, his fear got the best of him. When he returned as a mentor, he was determined to learn. While the rest of the group went on the bike trail, Bryan and one of the MTNS2SEA leaders stayed back and the two of them worked together until he got it! Then when the other MTNS2SEA leader and I returned with the group, Bryan did a victory lap around the group while everyone cheered for him. The look on his face brought tears to my eyes. So many wonderful things happened in this moment. Bryan felt successful and proud and realized he can do more than he previously thought. The group rallied around a youth who does not have many friends and has struggled socially and were genuinely proud and excited for him and showed it! I have no doubt that these youth will take this memory with them as they use the lessons of compassion and support in their lives as they move forward. I have worked with MTNS2SEA for 8 years now and this is just one of the many stories of impact this program has had on youth who typically are unseen and unheard. The biking adventure is just one of twelve outings the youth experience with MTNS2SEA. Other adventures include hiking, sailing, climbing, and a ropes course. Each one has a specific theme and life lesson that the youth learn to manage stress, anxiety, and the challenges that come up in life. These lessons are delivered with care and love to aid in the healing process. |
| Out Our Front Door | https://www.oofd.org | They are a radically inclusive and welcoming bike adventure organization that helps get a diversity of folks out into nature on educational and immersive bike rides to either camp, explore local parks, and/or do environmental service projects, all via the sustainable and healthy transport of a bicycle. | We are a small non-profit that leads bike adventures to immerse and educate in local nature and history. We do this for Chicagoland youth, families, adults, and folks with disabilities. We do this through our six immersive and educational programs, including adult bike camping trips, family bike camping trips, youth bike camping trips, adaptive bike camping trips, day rides, and the Where the Wild Things Grow Program which provide day rides to complete environmental service. Our core values are: Welcome. Adventure. Volunteer. Educate. We operate with a model of radical inclusivity to help breakdown barriers, both internal and external, to get more people in nature on bike adventures to deepen their reverence and appreciation for our natural ecosystems. One great example is our Adaptive Program, which now has a fleet of adaptive bikes that helps get folks with disabilities out into nature on bike adventures that may not have been able to otherwise. For the last 3 years, we have gotten youth with disabilities along with their families on a bike camping trip in Chicagoland, helping them explore the routes to and through nature that are right out their front door. |
| Outdoor Afro | https://www.brightlinedefense.org/ | Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. This national not-for-profit organization reconnects Black people to our lands, water, and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. | Some examples of Outdoor Afro’s year-round activities range from fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, skiing, and more. |
| PATH-People for Active Transportation Hawaii | https://pathhawaii.org | PATH is a community-based, grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit public access advocacy organization serving Hawaii County. Our mission is to safely connect people and places on Hawaii Island with pathways and bikeways. PATH was founded in 1986 in response to a growing need for places to walk, bike and hike safely and legally in Hawaii County. We believe that publicly accessible trails, bikeways and pathways do much to revive Hawaii’s unique history, allow us to live sustainably as islanders, preserve our fragile natural environment and build strong community relationships. The ability to talk story with a neighbor, fish along the shoreline, ride a horse through the mountains, go for a walk with one’s spouse or ride a bike to school are the daily activities of life in Hawaii that build trust, connect all of us both socially and culturally, provide daily physical activity, reduce energy demand and keep pollutants out of the air and water. In a very fundamentally human way, trails, pathways and bikeways have the unique ability to stitch our community together into a healthy, equitable and sustainable tapestry of life in Hawaii. | In 1992 PATH launched the Big Island Bike Ed Program providing free bike education classes to fourth-grade students across Hawaii Island. Since physical education is a course that cannot always be offered in schools, there are a number of issues this lack of services can create, which our bike education program aims to address. The Keiki Bike Education program’s purpose is to address critical health and safety concerns among children, as well as positively impact child development and address broader environmental issues. These are: HEALTH - A recent study by the Department of Health reports that 20% of Hawaiʻi’s 4th graders are overweight and another 15.7% are at risk for being so. In the same report, nearly one-third of students in Hawaiʻi County (31.5%) enter school overweight. The Bike Education program provides skills to enjoy cycling as a safe, non weight-bearing physical activity that can be enjoyed for life. SAFETY - The Federal Highway Administration reports that childhood bicycle and pedestrian-related injuries and deaths involve a “limited set of basic errors and that these errors can be addressed through education.” Among the top three goals in the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health’s Strategic Plan is reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths by educating school-aged children about appropriate traffic safety behavior. Additionally, research from the EMS Division of the Department of Health shows that only 14% of youth aged 5 to 14 wear helmets, even though the law states all children under the age of 16 should be wearing bike helmets. Bike Education covers key bike laws of Hawaiʻi, including how to fit and wear a helmet properly. CHARACTER BUILDING - Sadly, the fun and freedom we adults experienced in our youth through bike riding and walking in our neighborhoods has almost vanished for today’s children. A community that is safe for a child to walk or bike to school is a place where that child’s world opens exponentially. Keiki Bike Education provides children with the fundamental safety skills necessary for them to enjoy bicycling in their neighborhood; they learn responsibility, develop a sense of independence, and socialize with friends. Since its inception, PATH has provided the bike ed program free of charge to any school that requests it, with the priority of providing equitable and inclusive access to services. This program will contribute to strengthening the long-term capacity of individuals and organizations to become healthy, vibrant, and sustainable by giving students basic and necessary skills to operate a bicycle confidently, which can provide opportunities for students’ families to integrate biking into their exercise or transportation plans. It will also provide recreational opportunities with an emphasis on family and/or intergenerational activities, by equipping students with the education that the program offers and with their very own helmet to use when they operate a bicycle. |
| Phoenix Bikes | https://www.phoenixbikes.org/ | My cycling team, Squad Coppi, supports this organization and their great work educating and empowering a diversity of young community leaders through bike repair and cycling skills development programs. | The Phoenix Bikes youth program not only repairs and upcycles old bicycles but gives kids a chance to earn their own bicycle while also developing the skills to repair it, opening career paths in the cycling industry. They also lead community bike rides, sponsor a junior racing team, and host internships at their shop. |
| Prime ability | https://www.stayprimeability.com | Prime Ability is grassroots organization dedicated to empowering BIPOC youth by harnessing the transformative power of cycling. Their mission is to guide young individuals away from violence and towards realizing their prime potential. Through authentic learning experiences rooted in cycling, we cultivate character, self-esteem, and a strong sense of identity. Prime Ability believes that by providing a safe and supportive environment, we can inspire positive change. Their program utilizes cycling as a medium to teach vital life skills, instill values of discipline and resilience, and foster a deep sense of self-worth. By engaging BIPOC youth in the world of cycling, Prime Ability enables them to navigate challenges with confidence and embrace their unique capabilities. Through the power of cycling, Prime Ability empowers BIPOC youth to embark on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking their true potential and paving the way for a brighter future. | Prime Ability has 3 youth programs Bike Mechanic Assembly Program Short Description: Prime Ability's Tech program trains young students of color to become certified bike mechanics, preparing them for careers within the cycling industry. The program not only imparts technical skills but also encourages diverse career aspirations. By exposing students to the cycling world, it broadens their horizons, fosters representation, and promotes innovation. This initiative has the potential to create a more inclusive and dynamic future for both participants and the industry itself. Community Rides The Prime Ability Community Ride program is a transformative and dynamic initiative that takes place on Wednesday nights during the spring months. This program is designed specifically for teenagers, offering them a unique and safe outlet for self-expression, physical activity, and community engagement. With a focus on promoting unity among youth and diverting them away from potential sources of violence, the program plays a crucial role in preparing students for the approaching summer break when school is set to conclude. Through these teen community bike rides, Prime Ability creates an environment where young individuals can come together and embark on a shared adventure. The act of cycling serves as more than just a physical activity; it becomes a means to connect with peers, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging within a larger community. NICA Competitive Mountain Biking The Prime Ability NICA mountain biking team is an exceptional competitive mountain biking team affiliated with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Based in Washington DC, this pioneering team stands out as the first mountain biking team of color in the area, now entering its 4th year of operation. Founded with the mission of keeping kids off the street and promoting diversity and inclusivity within the sport of mountain biking, the Prime Ability NICA team is a trailblazer in creating opportunities for young riders of color to excel in a competitive and exhilarating environment. By participating in NICA events, races, and competitions, team members not only showcase their passion for mountain biking but also challenge traditional norms and perceptions within the cycling community. The team's journey over the past three years has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of its riders. Through rigorous training, skill development, and a strong sense of camaraderie, the Prime Ability NICA mountain biking team has cultivated a tight-knit community that extends beyond the trails. The team members serve as inspirations and role models, not only for their peers but for aspiring young cyclists of color across the region. As the team continues to evolve and make its mark on the NICA circuit, it symbolizes the transformative power of sports and the ability to break down barriers. The Prime Ability NICA mountain biking team embodies the values of determination, diversity, and unity, demonstrating that with shared goals and a passion for adventure, young individuals can rewrite the narrative of what is possible in the world of competitive mountain biking. |
| Saved By Nature | https://www.savedbynature.org/ | Saved by nature exposes and connects people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities to the natural wonders & recreational opportunities of the outdoors. | Richard Tejeda is the first documented person in the County of Santa Clara to receive their Certificate of Rehabilitation by using nature. |
| Shifting Gears | https://letsshiftgears.org/ | Nominating Shifting Gears for the Climate Ride Action Grants is grounded in the organization's unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. Located in Bellingham, Washington, Shifting Gears distinguishes itself in the outdoor recreation space, offering a distinctive array of activities led by women and for women, which can be seen with its all-female staff and board of directors. This aligns seamlessly with Climate Ride's mission to support organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and women. As a nominee, Shifting Gears serves as an example of Climate Ride's values, actively fostering environmental and social justice by breaking down barriers in outdoor engagement. The organization's multifaceted approach, spanning various recreational activities, mirrors the dual categories recognized by Climate Ride – addressing environmental issues and facilitating access to cycling and the outdoors. Shifting Gears' commitment to empowering women across all aspects of outdoor recreation, coupled with its ambitious plans for growth and innovation in 2024, positions the organization as a deserving candidate for the Climate Ride Action Grants. Shifting Gears aspires to contribute significantly to the transformative impact that the grant program seeks to achieve. | Shifting Gears is liberating outdoor recreation with a strong focus on empowering women and establishing a unique space led by and for women. Beyond cycling, the organization offers diverse activities like rock climbing and hiking, promoting inclusivity for a broad audience. With an all-female leadership team across staff and board members, Shifting Gears prioritizes gender diversity and varied perspectives in decision-making. Actively dismantling barriers and providing access to outdoor opportunities, especially for underserved communities, the organization contributes to fostering a more inclusive outdoor culture. Plans for growth and innovation in 2024 underscore its commitment to positive change. The impact of Shifting Gears is evident in the gratitude of participants, new to these activities, who appreciate the chance to engage. Opportunities like free to low-cost programming, women-led trips, and provision of transportation and gear actively remove barriers, making outdoor recreation accessible to all. The enduring impact is seen in participants continuously engaging in various programs, drawn back by the positive experiences and community found through Shifting Gears. |
| Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition | https://www.bikesiliconvalley.org/ | The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) strives to build healthier and more just communities by making bicycling safe and accessible for everyone. This organization has prioritized two main components in its Strategic Plan and on-the-ground work plan -- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Community. We work hard to address the systemic inequities in transportation, prioritize the rights of marginalized communities in planning projects, and chart a path toward more equitable and sustainable communities for all. To better incorporate our DEI work, we lead with concepts of social justice and cultural humility. We introduce people of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, and cultures to the joy of bicycling for everyday use through fun and educational programs. We build and support local teams of diverse volunteers within cities to further our reach to populations that have been historically and systemically oppressed. We lead with community. The bike is not the end goal, better community is the end goal. It just so happens that the humble bicycle is an excellent tool to build more healthy and just communities. We can only build the power of the bike movement with active, diverse residents creating change in their local communities. Our "Local Teams" carry our movement and ensure that SVBC meets their needs on their terms. So that these are not just words in a plan, we gather data that allows us to measure impacts on different demographics, with a focus on those who have been historically and systemically oppressed. We track the following four external indicators: Safe Streets, Healthy Communities, Growing Ridership, and Changing Culture. | I see the biggest difference with our area youth. SVBC specifically outreaches to schools with multi-lingual programs that teach kids bike safety. With encouragement, repair services, helmet fitting, and FUN - SVBC brings cycling to children, with a particular emphasis on providing access and support for low-income students and students of color. Our Safe Routes to Schools staff and volunteers target schools that would otherwise not have biking programs available. We also support the emerging, and exceptionally diverse, youth bike movement. Our annual Bike Summit was headlined by SVBC’s inaugural Youth Leaders in Active Transportation Award winners, who delivered inspiring, fast-paced presentations that showcased their impressive projects and programs. These young leaders shared their findings and innovations to promote walking and biking in their communities, inspiring the audience with their energy and passion for sustainability. By highlighting our youth and providing targeted programs through schools, we impact the overall community, parents, and city officials who in turn are inspired (or pressured) to make cities better, healthier, and safer places to bike. |
| Spokeland | https://spokeland.org | I am nominating Spokeland for this grant because their intersectional work is organized around centering BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folx in the cycling and bike mechanics field, advancing environmental and social justice, and providing impactful and meaningful outdoor opportunities in the community. As an organization they offer a spectrum of equitable and accessible bike programs that support their members and the Oakland community at large. Spokeland’s goals are to create a safe and inclusive environment for community members to learn to repair and build bicycles. | The following provides specific examples of how Spokeland is making a difference in the community it serves and operates in. Diverse Representation: Demographic Matching: Spokeland requires its public-facing volunteers to reflect the demographics of the city they serve. This approach includes a class where participants and staff are predominantly female and/or nonbinary, and 80% of their students do not identify as white. Role Models and Comfort: By staffing teachers from diverse identities, Spokeland provides role models and creates a learning environment where affinity groups can form, making people from all backgrounds feel comfortable. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Training and Onboarding: Volunteers undergo training that includes social justice concepts, such as readings from bell hooks and Ta-Nehisi Coates, to prepare them for working in Oakland and understanding everyday privilege. Representation Efforts: Spokeland focuses on recruiting volunteers and staff from diverse backgrounds to ensure representation and mitigate the effects of gentrification. Comparison with Traditional Models Distinction from Bicycle Shops and Coops: DIY and Education: Unlike traditional bicycle shops, Spokeland operates as a DIY workspace for self-directed learning and offers donated parts. They provide basic bicycle services, new parts, seminars, and workshops. Volunteer Vetting and Representation: Spokeland distinguishes itself by vetting volunteers and mechanics carefully and focusing on balancing public-facing roles with behind-the-scenes tasks to ensure diverse representation. Impact on the Community Fighting Gentrification: Local Employment: Spokeland’s leadership is dedicated to hiring locally and prioritizing underrepresented staff to combat gentrification in Oakland. This ensures that the organization remains connected to and representative of the community it serves. Community Engagement: Camaraderie and Empowerment: Spokeland emphasizes building camaraderie and self-empowerment within the community. Recognizing the significance of operating in the same neighborhood that gave birth to the Black Panthers, the organization aims to contribute meaningfully, intentionally, and with awareness to the community it operates in and serves. |
| The Niles Foundation | https://www.thenilesfoundation.org | I am thrilled to nominate The Niles Foundation a BIPOC and Woman led community 501c3 for the Environmental Justice Action Grants in recognition of their outstanding commitment to empowering underinvested and historically disadvantaged communities through sustainable solutions in agriculture, climate, technology, and long-term equitable outcomes. Addressing Intersecting Challenges The Niles Foundation stands out for its dedication to addressing the intersecting challenges faced by marginalized communities, including food insecurity, environmental degradation, limited access to clean transportation, and lack of sustainable technology solutions. These issues create complex barriers to long-term equitable outcomes for vulnerable populations, and The Niles Foundation's holistic approach aims to break this cycle of poverty and inequity. Tangible Impact Through initiatives like The Halo Food Project and Yard 2 Farm, The Niles Foundation has made a tangible impact in alleviating food insecurity and promoting health outcomes by providing fresh, nutritious food to over 1000 families annually. Their regenerative agricultural practices not only address food security but also contribute to biodiversity conservation and soil health, tackling environmental degradation in a sustainable manner. Clean Transportation and Technology Solutions Recognizing the importance of clean transportation, The Niles Foundation's EvClean15 project has shown a 40% reduction in air pollution levels and a 25% increase in community mobility. Additionally, their focus on sustainable technology solutions, such as Solar PV education and community outreach, empowers communities to embrace renewable energy integration for operational efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. Community Empowerment The Niles Foundation actively engages community members in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. By prioritizing the leadership of those most impacted by food and farm practices, including BIPOC communities, women, LGBTQIA individuals, and youth, they are driving transformative change from the ground up. Track Record of Success The Niles Foundation's track record of success is evident in their impactful outcomes, such as providing over 26,000 pounds of locally grown produce and engaging over 5,000 community members annually through urban agriculture workshops and clean energy fairs. Their ability to secure diverse funding sources, including federal grants and corporate sponsorships, speaks to their credibility and effectiveness in creating lasting change. Vision for the Future In the next 2-3 years, The Niles Foundation envisions expanding its reach and impact, serving as a model for sustainable community development. With a goal of reaching over 5,000 families annually with fresh, nutritious food and clean mobility solutions, they aim to create replicable and scalable models that promote equity, resilience, and sustainability in underserved areas. By nominating The Niles Foundation for the Environmental Justice Action Grants, we recognize their unwavering dedication to creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Their innovative projects, community-centered approaches, and commitment to empowering marginalized communities make them a deserving candidate for this grant opportunity. | The Niles Foundation is making a significant difference by addressing food insecurity and environmental degradation through initiatives like The Halo Food Project. By providing fresh, nutritious food to over 1000 families annually and implementing regenerative agricultural practices, they are not only alleviating hunger but also promoting biodiversity conservation and soil health. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to long-term sustainability and resilience in underinvested communities. |
| The Original Scraper Bike Team | https://scraperbiketeam.com | The Scraper Bike Team has been an important community institution in East Oakland for years. They provide a safe space for youth to learn mechanical skills and express themselves by building custom bikes | Since relocating their base of operations to Arroyo Viejo Park, Scraper Bike Team has participated in the city's efforts to reactivate that park for youth and community members. They are teaching bike skills, providing free bike repairs, and mentoring East Oakland youth. In August they hosted a community event where they gave away 100 backpacks with school supplies, along with 20 custom scraper bikes. We expect to see those bikes rolling around the neighborhood and joining us on bike rides to the MLK Regional Shoreline and around other Oakland parks. |
| The Promise Center of Homewood inc | Thepromisecenterofhomewood.com | They are keeping the promise that was made to the Paster who sold the building to do something for the community. | For the trailblazing work in and around the Pittsburgh community. Providing a safe space for the children in the Homewood community to grow, play, and foster the essence of their childhood. They are keeping the promise that was made to the Paster who sold the building to do something for the community. "I am the Advocacy Manager at BikePGH in Pittsburgh, PA. Since a 9 year old girl named Courtney Carter was killed by a driver just a block away from The Promise Center of Homewood where she attended after school programming, I have been working closely with them to start up a neighborhood advocacy committee called Courtney's Promise focused on biking and walking, especially safe routes to school. They have a vision to advocate for better infrastructure in their community so such a tragedy never happens again, and to also provide bikes and biking education to local families. The director of the Promise Center, Nate Goodson, has a vision to get a fleet of bikes that youth and adults alike can earn by attending bike safety classes, and to establish a bike repair tool library where neighbors can come to work on their bikes and keep them rolling safely. Homewood is a historically underserved and disinvested community. If it were one of the better-resourced neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, there would have been a stop sign and better infrastructure installed long ago to prevent Courtney from being killed. Receiving $5,000 would go a long way to kickstarting this vision for Courtney's Promise and The Promise Center of Homewood. BikePGH will be supporting them, of course, but we are unable to provide such financial resources ourselves." |
| Urban Tilth | https://urbantilth.org | I'm nominating Urban Tilth because they are a phenomenal Black- and woman-led organization with a deep impact on local youth, fresh food access, and the just transition movement. Urban Tilth hires and trains local residents in urban agriculture, provides fresh food to the community, and restores relationships to the land to build a more sustainable food system and just and healthier community. The Climate Ride grant would support Urban Tilth's community programs. | Urban Tilth recently expanded the Veggie RX program to provide produce boxes to 200 Medi-Cal/CalAIM patients, expanded the Basins of Relation Watershed Restoration Program to offer free installation of water conservation technologies to 200 low-income residents while training young adults, increased the number of free community pop-up farm stands, launched the Orchard for All! fruit tree gleaning and arborist job training program, and is helping advance the Beyond Chevron campaign. |
| Wild Mountain Retreats, Inc. | https://wildmountainretreats.org/ | I have participated in two programs at Wild Mountain, and they have been transformative for me as a nonbinary queer person in helping me connect deeply with myself and with supportive community during a wilderness experience. I built trust in myself and my outdoor skills leading up to a four-day solo fast in the Colorado mountains, and returned to share my story with other LGBTQ+ community members. This was a powerfully healing experience that is giving me courage to embark on a new chapter in life. This is deeply healing work reconnecting Queer and BIPOC communities with the land, with each other, and giving us courage to make major shifts in our lives and communities. When we return from these experiences at Wild Mountain, we return with fresh energy, commitment, and support to share our gifts with the world in service of social change. Rite of passage programs can be expensive and inaccessible to many members of the Queer and BIPOC communities in terms of travel costs, program costs, time off work, and access to outdoor equipment, resources, and knowledge. Wild Mountain's programs are offered as sliding-scale and donation based specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. To date, Wild Mountain has been funded by the founders and by small personal donations from friends, family and the community of those who have experienced this work. Wild Mountain is now raising the funds needed to compensate new guides and program assistants from these marginalized groups in ways that allow them to step into this work. As someone who has been deeply changed by my experiences of their work and this community, I'm nominating them to help continue these programs. | One of the biggest challenges we see today is people having a hard time feeling that they belong or have a place in the world. People often feel disconnected from the natural world when in reality we are all part of the natural world. In this era of social media and lack of true community, people will often become complacent, try to numb feelings or even take their own life. These problems are especially true in marginalized communities that are traditionally underrepresented in outdoor spaces and often less financially able to participate in retreat experiences. Yet members of these communities benefit enormously from deeper connections to nature. In an era where attempts to reconnect to nature are rife with cultural appropriation and cultural ceremonial exploitation as part of white supremacy culture and coloniality, Wild Mountain provides a framework for participants to recover their ancestral land-based spiritual and community-based practices or develop their own way of connecting with themselves their own ancestry and the earth. Another important part of our work is helping people step into their roles as community elders in an era where ageism leads to additional experiences of isolation and disconnection. During programs and trainings, participants experience and learn wilderness survival and risk assessment skills, in addition to skills of being in community that result in feelings of increased belonging, connectedness and personal development. These include discussions about cultural appropriation, recovering cultural and ancestral wisdom, and trauma informed care. Participants and trainees also receive education on the modality of the four shields of human nature that offers a model for human wholeness and development, as well as strategies for what we call “self-generated ceremony” and incorporation strategies that help participants let go of grief, anger, and fear and honor and celebrate who they already are or are becoming. Perhaps most impactfully, the programs and trainings offer participants the chance to receive mirroring and reflection of their stories. When Guides offer mirroring of participants’ intentions or stories of their solo time on the land, participants and the group are able to witness the beauty and power of their lived experiences through another’s voice, eyes, and body. This is one of the most powerful ways that participants are able to be affirmed, seen and respected for who they are within a supportive community setting and allows people to leave the rite of passage knowing they can offer these kinds of community-building practices, including compassionate listening, to others in their families, workplaces, and relationships. Rites of passage provide more nature-based skills and modalities for therapists and it offers examples of living systems change for corporate professionals. In tangible terms, Wild Mountain sees rite of passage participants step into new roles as parents, recommit to living a sober lifestyle after a life-threatening substance-use relapse, or deciding to leave jobs that no longer serve their growth. Several organizations have specifically come out of the rite of passage experiences participants have had at Wild Mountain, such as Veteran Rites, a rite of passage organization for veterans; Black and Wild, a Black-led, nature-based education platform dedicated to leading mindful wilderness trips and ancestral skills; Quest House, now closed, which functioned for several years as a safe recovery house for transgender men receiving care before and after surgeries; Queer Asterisk, a non-profit collective of therapists supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in Boulder, CO. The training programs offered by WMR also give BIPOC and Queer identified people the opportunity to become wilderness guides and to bring the strengths of these programs out to diverse communities around the United States and beyond. |
| Yonus Davis Foundation | https://yonusdavisfoundation.com | I would like to this organized to be nominated of all there | Living in Oakland California were crime rates homeless rates are up. The YDF program has allowed all youth to participate in physical activity, flag football, college tours, teens Go Green, and health active Oakland Youth building new leaders one day one play at time. |