Borealis Philanthropy

Still thinking about the quote from a Borealis Philanthropy email. Still struck by the use of the words, “co-creating a more tender and truthful media ecosystem” as a description of work especially for it to be in such sweet opposition to the the statement of the problem laid out. I am struck because I write a lot of grants for Invisible Institute and know how perfect the language is and wish I had written it. It also brings to mind a quote from Grace Lee Boggs and James Lee Boggs that has been on my mind lately. Borealis Quote: “For centuries, this reporting has stood in resistance and opposition to mainstream media, which has long muted, distorted, and ignored the narratives and information needs of BIPOC communities, making possible continued acts of harm and oppression that tear at the fabrics of our multi-racial democracy. #BorealisPhilanthropy Racial Equity in Journalism (#REJ) Fund exists to nourish and build up the capacity of those who are co-creating a more tender and truthful media sector, in which BIPOC communities can steward our stories from ideation to distribution, and the spaces in between. “ Lee Boggs Quote: “Rebellion is a stage in the development of revolution, but it is not revolution. … A rebellion disrupts the society but does not provide what is necessary to establish a new social order. “ ”truthful and tender”

🎉 Last month, Sandy Ho announced her transition out as Program Director of the Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) to join our friends at the Disability & Philanthropy Forum. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Sandy in this new and exciting role! READ: Inside Philanthropy profiled Sandy for her big move. https://lnkd.in/gKNuPWHf ✊️ READ: Earlier this year, the Black-Led Movement Fund (BLMF) and DIF launched the BDL, a co-funding initiative to resource organizing happening at the critical intersection of disability and Blackness. https://lnkd.in/gCisnafN

🥳 As we close out #DisabilityPrideMonth, we want to celebrate some of our grantee partners—groups grounded in #DisabilityJustice principles and leading their communities through the practice of #DisabledJoy. READ: The full roundup with links to grantee partner work. https://lnkd.in/gpCM4WJN READ: The Black-Led Movement Fund (BLMF) and Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) launched the BDL, a co-funding initiative to resource organizing happening at the critical intersection of disability and Blackness. https://lnkd.in/gCisnafN

"Wells' words—and the violent backlash they received—remind us of the importance of Black journalists willing to tell the truth, even under the threat of racial hierarchy and power." From Ida B. Wells to Racial Equity in Journalism (REJ) Fund grantee partners like The Jackson Advocate, The Kansas City Defender, and MLK50 Memphis today, BIPOC journalists have a long legacy of debunking sensationalist mainstream stories that propagate violence, such as the People's Grocery lynching or the Tulsa Massacre. By telling stories that shift the narrative, they quite literally save communities and democracy. That's why the REJ Fund is committed to a culture of repair by organizing and distributing capital and resources for BIPOC journalists. READ: In its new report, the REJ Fund asks, 'What does transformative investment in BIPOC media look like?' It proposes four models ranging from $381 million to $71 billion. https://lnkd.in/djB-8RJr READ: The full piece on Ida B. Wells' legacy by the REJ Fund in Prism Reports. https://lnkd.in/g9Sm_G3y

🥳 The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) is proud to have awarded $430k in Joy Grants to 43 disability-led organizations operating at the forefront of the disability justice, rights, and inclusion movement. We provide these grants in recognition that disability justice is also about the pursuit of self-determined and collective access to joy—the place where our communities are sustained long-term. ✨ Our incredible grantee partners shared with us how the grants expanded their capacity for rest and reflection, strengthened community relationship-building, and supported access to collective life-affirming experiences. READ: Our grants announcement! https://lnkd.in/e4UQY5mu READ: The Black-Led Movement Fund (BLMF) and DIF launched the BDL, a co-funding initiative to resource organizing happening at the critical intersection of disability and Blackness. https://lnkd.in/gCisnafN #DisabilityPride #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityRights #DisabilityJustice #DisabilityJoy #BlackDisabledLivesMatter

Navigating the world of philanthropy can often feel overwhelming. It calls on us to contribute profoundly to our communities, sometimes at the expense of our own well-being. It's a journey that demands much from us—physically, mentally, and spiritually—as we navigate systems that can challenge our best intentions. Yet, I believe that we can envision a future by fostering a space grounded in safety and authenticity, where solutions blossom directly from the voices of those we champion and where rest and self-care are prioritized. In this future, the need for philanthropy to sustain healthy and vibrant Trans Generations is no longer a necessity. Welcome to HALO ACADEMY, a sanctuary where admitting 'I don't know' is not only accepted but encouraged, free from guilt or fear. Here, you'll connect with transformative leaders, delve into pressing issues with immediacy and authenticity, and build genuine relationships that extend beyond the confines of our work, enriching our lives. It's not our titles that unite us as a community; it's our shared human experience. Please complete this form to express interest in participating in the Halo Academy powered by the Fund for Trans Generations at Borealis Philanthropy. https://lnkd.in/ezR5FEUY

READ: The full story at Inside Philanthropy. https://lnkd.in/gMHkDX7u READ: The Racial Equity to Accelerate Change (REACH) Fund published Meeting the Moment, Keeping the Momentum: Stories of Racial Equity and Liberatory Practices, a comprehensive guide illuminating actionable pathways and #LiberatoryPractices for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations seeking transformation in the name of #RacialJustice. The report is shaped by expertise that the Fund’s grantee partners shared during an extensive process with Research Action Design. https://lnkd.in/dYM9UVY8

How much investment does it take to create a media ecosystem in which Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led and -serving newsrooms thrive, and save our multiracial democracy? READ: In its new report, the Racial Equity in Journalism (REJ) Fund proposes four models between $381 million and $71 billion. https://lnkd.in/djB-8RJr READ: The full interview with Alicia Bell and Dr. Wilneida Negrón. https://lnkd.in/eEhNGFBA

If you’re at #RupaulsDragRace #DragCon today, my good sis and All Stars Season 5 Winner Shea Coulee is giving back in a MIGHTY way in support of the TS Madison Starter House! 🚨From Shea: ANYONE visiting my DragCon booth today: any donation of $45+ to The @tsmadison Starter Home will get you a meet & greet as well! QR code will be displayed at my booth let’s put our money where our mouths are and help our community!🚨 NAESM INC and The Fund for Trans Generations at Borealis Philanthropy is thank you so much Shea! Cultural Capital 👏🏾 AT 👏🏾 WORK👏🏾 #philanthropy #fundraising #leadership

ICYMI - Our Social Impact Summit, co-hosted by The Hollywood Reporter, a panel discussion presented by Gilead Sciences "How Hollywood Partnerships & Corporate Giving are Fueling the Fight Against HIV/AIDS." Wilson Cruz, Board Chair of GLSEN, moderated the Summit’s first panel with Charlize Theron, founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project; Neo Mohajane, program director of HIVSA’s Healthy Systems Strengthening; Dominique Morgan, director of the Fund for Trans Generations at Borealis Philanthropy; Carmen Villar, VP of ESG and corporate citizenship at Gilead Sciences; and DaShawn Usher, senior director for Communities of Color and Media at GLAAD. #SIFTHR_Impact #philanthropy #hollywood #fightHIV https://lnkd.in/gZxAXcVU