We’re proud to announce the recipients of the second cycle of the Brookline Community Foundation’s Racial Equity Grant awards! Combined, we’re awarding $135,000 to 7 projects advancing racial equity in Brookline:

Abilities Dance, a Brookline-based nonprofit organization that uses dance as a tool for intersectional disability rights, is addressing the need for equitable and sustainable pay for diverse artists and arts administrators in the Brookline area.

Brookline Asian American Family Network (BAAFN) in partnership with the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) is providing programming to support the mental health needs of the AAPI community in Brookline.

Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) is subsidizing the cost of attendance for their summer programming for children that identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) to increase the accessibility of this program.

Martin Trust Partnership in Education for Early Learners (TEL), in partnership with the Brookline Housing Authority, provides low-income children who are not currently enrolled in a formal education program with access to high-quality early education through a two-year tuition abatement to TEL.

Organized Youth is expanding their social entrepreneurship workshop that empowers kids and teens ages 12-17 to address inequalities and racial disparities by being involved in social causes in Brookline.

Town of Brookline/Brookline Adult and Community Education is offering free programs at Brookline Housing Authority properties for youth and adult learners. This program was in part based on feedback from Brookline Housing Authority residents.

Women Thriving, Inc. is establishing new leadership pathways for BIPOC women by creating a leadership group where BIPOC women support, encourage, and listen to other BIPOC women, all while accessing paid internship opportunities.

These 7 projects were recommended by the Racial Equity Grant Committee, composed of representatives from the Brookline community, Town departments, and the Brookline Community Foundation.

Congratulations again to this year’s awardees, and thank you for your commitment to advancing racial equity in Brookline. And thank you to the entire Brookline community for your tireless efforts to create a better Brookline for all!

The Racial Equity Grant Program is funded through the Racial Equity Fund, a collaborative effort between the Brookline Community Foundation and the Town of Brookline, which generously provided a $500,000 investment to seed the fund. To learn more about the genesis of this effort, please read our press release on our partnership with the Town of Brookline to launch this fund.