“We express our gratitude for the partnership and the pursuit of utopia always on the horizon, renewing our drive to build a new society.” — Valdenildo Martins de Souza, Landless Workers Movement (MST) of Brazil

Dear Friend,

Along with the tragedies and challenges of 2020 – in the US and globally – an inspiring groundswell of momentum toward social justice was palpable.

Crisis moments became movement moments. The pandemic was met with powerful solidarity responses; abuses of power with strengthened resistance; economic devastation with demands for transformative economies; and anti-Black violence with uprisings for racial justice.

The success of these efforts was the product of years of organizing to advance bottom-up solutions (like agroecology grounded in food sovereignty) while resisting corporate control of food, land, and water. And you made so much of it possible, as a supporter of Grassroots International.

That’s why I’m sending along, hot off the digital presses, our annual report. Reading through these pages, you can see examples of the impact our collective solidarity philanthropy has had around the world — supporting social movements as they address the pandemic, defend Black lives, advance grassroots feminisms, and take action for human rights.

Highlights of our 2020 work include:

•  Distributing upwards of $5.8 million to our movement partners and allies — $3.5 million to those in the Global South and $2.3 million to those in the U.S.
• Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency relief grants coupled with support for long-term efforts essential to recovery
• Nurturing grassroots feminist organizing through grantmaking and political accompaniment
• Defending Black lives globally through solidarity actions and increased grantmaking to Black and Afro-descendant movements
• Activating our networks and mobilizing resources in response to human rights violations against activists and frontline communities
• Working to decolonize philanthropy by bringing voices from the front lines into funder forums and piloting innovative forms of donor activism

In step with our partners, solidarity donors and supporters like you have a critical role to play in paving a new way forward. Together, we are meeting moments of crisis with bold determination to create a better future for all of us.

In solidarity, Chung-Wha Hong Executive Director

P.S. Our ability to sustain and nurture our programs depends on the generosity and commitment of champions like you. Strong continuity in support allowed us to maintain a high proportion of spending on grants, education, and program activities. Your continued support today will allow Grassroots International to remain an outspoken advocate for the human rights to land, water, and food.