Within the past year, the Women’s Media Center reports that coverage of #MeToo in the mainstream media has grown significantly. As awareness about the detrimental effects of sexual assault continues to grow in our culture, the New York Women’s Foundation is fostering real efforts to aid #MeToo survivors. In May of 2018, the foundation created the Fund for the Me Too Movement and Allies, and now that fund has made $840,000 in its first round of grant funding. This is a collaborative effort, housed and managed by The New York Women’s Foundation, with the grantmaking decisions being made jointly with Tarana Burke, founder and leader of the #MeToo Movement.
Ms. Burke announced the first recipients of grants from the Fund for The Me Too Movement and Allies. “The money we are awarding today will undoubtedly make an impact in the work to end sexual violence because all eight organizations are doing tremendous work,” said Burke, in a press release announcing the new grants. Burke noted that all chosen grantee organizations are not only helping survivors of sexual violence, they are also “combating deeply-rooted systemic issues that allow it to persist across all our communities.”
In keeping with the core feminist philanthropy principle of inclusion, the Fund prioritized organizations “led by and for communities of color that give voice to women, immigrants, and LGBTQ people.” The first grant recipients are:
- Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective – Los Angeles, CA
- Black Women’s Blueprint – National, New York City
- DC Rape Crisis Center – Washington, D.C.
- Equality Labs – National
- FreeFrom – Los Angeles, CA
- The Firecracker Foundation – Lansing, MI
- The ‘me too.’ Movement – National
- Violence Intervention Program – New York City
Congratulations to the grantees, and to the new Fund for #MeToo and its intrepid leader, Tarana Burke. This kind of funding is doing essential work to address one of the big drivers of inequality between men and women: sexual harassment and abuse. Hopefully, more funders will become aware of the value of this work in challenging unhealthy gender norms and helping us all live healthier lives.
Related:
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Praising the Deeds of Women: How Gender Equity and Reconciliation Can Change the World
NY Women’s Foundation Launches #MeToo Fund with $1 Million Start
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