TPC set a goal in our last strategic plan to increase our funding focus on organizations working at the systems level to address inequities affecting the lives of individuals and families in the Greater Boston area. For instance, those who integrate advocacy efforts into their work or those working to disrupt existing inequitable systems. As we kick off our 2024-2025 grant year, the Education Committee wants to highlight two of our new grantees that are doing just that.
Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice (SCIJ)
SJIC’s mission is to provide representation for all asylum seekers by training college students to become immigration advocates and to fight for a socially just immigration system and community transformation. Their model of training college students helps to increase immigration service providers, expand access to representation, and then increase advocacy for immigration justice. Two years ago they were one of the organizations that successfully advocated for the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) which allowed Massachusetts residents to apply for driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status. They continue to take part in efforts that support our immigrant populations. To learn more about their advocacy efforts go to: Community Organizing — STUDENT CLINIC FOR IMMIGRANT JUSTICE (scijimmigration.org)
Boston Food Forest Coalition (BFFC)
BFFC is working to address disparities that exist in Boston neighborhoods by creating community-designed and -led food forests. BFFC works with neighborhoods to transform vacant lots into food forests that help address impacts of climate change, and access to quality food – two issues exacerbated by the historical under-investment in these neighborhoods. By working closely with local leaders to design and own food forests for the long term, they are disrupting inequitable systems and ensuring communities across Boston have access to fresh foods and natural space. To learn more about how BFFC is working to transform neighborhoods go to: Our Work — Boston Food Forest Coalition
These are just two examples of the work our grantees are doing at the systems level to combat inequities across our communities. The Education Committee will continue to highlight more. If you are interested in helping TPC expand our support for systems change work in the Boston area, please email the education committee at smeehan@thephilanthropyconnection.org.