We learned so much about frontline communities, community-informed and led solutions, and opportunities. As we connected with changemakers, we learned that climate justice includes supporting frontline communities in building resilience to climate change, addressing environmental consequences of our fossil fuel economy, and providing benefits from the transition economy.
In our Grant Round, we had an in-depth process of connecting with community members and leaders, and getting their organization nominations. We are grateful to Acterra, our Alumni Grantee Partner, for participating in our “Chat with Youth”, shortlisting, and decision-making process.
We selected Brightline Defense and Climate Resilient Communities as our new Grantee Partners.
Brightline Defense is an environmental justice nonprofit organization that works to empower communities and create sustainable environments. The Brightline team blends public policy advocacy and on-the-ground partnerships to promote sustainability and opportunity in traditionally underserved communities. Brightline promotes sustainable policies ranging from local hiring to clean energy to energy efficiency. Brightline’s team of community-oriented lawyers connects communities most in need to critical policymaking levers at the local and state level, which can be then modeled nationwide.
Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) has a volunteer-driven commitment to helping residents reduce their energy costs, improve home health, and gain access to local resources like subsidized solar panels and home energy audits, and weatherization upgrades. Since 2016 Climate Resilient Communities has been on the ground learning the specific needs of residents in diverse, under-resourced communities in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven (Menlo Park).
We’re currently organizing opportunities for SV2 to meaningfully engage with both phenomenal organizations!
This Grant Round was thoughtfully and skillfully co-led by Jennifer McFarlane and Nancy Grove.
We continued to advance equity and trust-based philanthropy practices, with positive feedback.