About Diverse city fund
Diverse City Fund: Empowering Communities in Washington DC
Diverse City Fund is a local fund that supports the visions of people in Washington DC to realize liberation, build power, spark solutions and create social change. The fund was established in 2011 by a group of community organizers who recognized the need for a more equitable distribution of resources to grassroots organizations working towards social justice.
The Diverse City Fund is unique because it is run entirely by volunteers who are committed to creating a more just and equitable society. The fund provides grants to organizations that are led by people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and other marginalized communities. These grants help these organizations build capacity, develop leadership skills, and implement innovative programs that address systemic issues facing their communities.
One of the key goals of the Diverse City Fund is to support grassroots organizations that are often overlooked by traditional philanthropy. Many small community-based groups lack access to funding or have limited resources available for their work. The Diverse City Fund seeks to fill this gap by providing flexible funding opportunities that allow these groups to pursue their vision for social change.
The Diverse City Fund has supported over 200 projects since its inception in 2011. These projects have ranged from organizing campaigns around affordable housing and immigrant rights to supporting youth-led initiatives focused on environmental justice and mental health awareness.
In addition to providing financial support, the Diverse City Fund also offers capacity-building workshops and networking opportunities for grantees. These workshops cover topics such as fundraising strategies, board development, strategic planning, and communications planning.
The impact of the Diverse City Fund can be seen throughout Washington DC's diverse neighborhoods. Grantees have been able to launch new programs or expand existing ones thanks to the support they received from the fund. For example:
- Empower DC received a grant from the DCF in 2018 which allowed them to launch an organizing campaign around affordable housing issues affecting low-income residents in the District. The campaign resulted in the creation of a new tenant association and the passage of legislation that protects tenants from unjust evictions.
- The DC Language Access Coalition received a grant from the DCF in 2019 to support their work advocating for language access rights for limited English proficient residents. With this funding, they were able to organize community forums, develop educational materials, and engage with policymakers to advance their cause.
- The Black Swan Academy received a grant from the DCF in 2020 to support their youth-led initiative focused on mental health awareness among Black and Brown youth. With this funding, they were able to launch a social media campaign, host virtual events, and provide resources for young people struggling with mental health issues.
The Diverse City Fund is committed to creating lasting change in Washington DC by supporting grassroots organizations that are working towards social justice. By providing flexible funding opportunities and capacity-building support, the fund is helping these organizations build power and create solutions that address systemic issues facing their communities.
In conclusion, if you are looking for an organization that is making a real impact on social justice issues in Washington DC, look no further than the Diverse City Fund. Their commitment to empowering marginalized communities through flexible funding opportunities and capacity-building support makes them an invaluable resource for grassroots organizations working towards liberation and social change.
diversecityfund.org
