Headwaters recently gave 14 Minnesota-based grassroots organizations Giving Project grants. A 19-member Giving Project Program volunteer cohort made the general operating investments possible.
The cohort started meeting at the Headwaters office starting in January 2020. Given concerns about the coronavirus, they moved to online meetings—a major program shift. They built the first-ever Giving Project virtual community at Headwaters, developing a shared understanding of race, class, and societal power through workshops and trainings. Participants then made a personally meaningful gift while they raised money from their friends and families. They used that money to support organizations committed to social change.
"This year’s cohort and program staff were tested by a pandemic and an uprising," said Executive Director Maria De La Cruz. "They adapted and led successful fundraising and grantmaking work with absolute grace and brilliance. I could not be prouder and hope the broader community will join me in celebrating them and the grantees."
The 14 Giving Project grant recipients are:
Grantee organizations are led by and serve Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color. Each one excels at bringing people together to build power; and working for justice and equity. They are on the front lines of making real, lasting change across Minnesota.
Participants of the 2020 Giving Project cohort are:
- Donte Curtis
- Mia Divecha
- Wayne Ducheneaux
- Graham Earley
- Joy Elizabeth
- Alice Geglio
- Jillian Gross Fortgang
- Sarah Gruidl
- Zach Johnson
- Jouapag Lee
- Maria Lee
- Nimisha Nagalia
- Kia Pankey
- Tahnee Trenberth
- David Wang
- Kabao Xiong
- Serena Xiong
- Xia Xiong
- Maishia Yang
