A local nonprofit dedicated to diversifying philanthropy announced its five 2022 nominees to receive a total of $56,000 at a grandstand event in December.
Women of Color GIVE (WOC GIVE) on October 6th held its second annual charity event, Power Reimagined, celebrating women of color leaders in West Michigan. The nonprofit also named the five organizations nominated for the 2022 grant distribution.
The following organizations will participate in a competitive pitch in December to win a portion of the $56,000 grant amount:
- Good Samaritan Ministries, Ottawa County
- I am the Academy
- Outdoor Discovery Center
- Tri-Cities Bridges Initiative
- Asian American Association of West Michigan
WOC GIVE selected these five local nonprofits from 38 nominations received during 2022.
“Women of Color GIVE helps those closest to the pain realize their power and ability to invest in the causes that best serve their communities,” said Rebekah Bakker, vice president of WOC GIVE. “Every year, it’s a challenge to narrow down these worthy campaigns, but we’re proud to welcome these five organizations to present their projects to our members at the end of the year.
The Districts of Good Samaritan Ministries program connects low-, middle-, and high-income individuals to help facilitate friendships across social and economic divides and help struggling families reach their goals.
I Am Academy is helping to dismantle school-to-prison pipeline systems within educational institutions through student mentorships and community partnerships, specifically focused on helping African American adolescents reach their full potential.
The Outdoor Discovery Center is a nonprofit organization that helps advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan through community programs designed to help advocate for and allow equal access to natural spaces.
The Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative is an outgrowth of the 2019 Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, helping to build connections between Latin American residents and the greater Lake community, particularly in Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. The initiative cultivates these connections by creating opportunities for Latin American culture to be celebrated.
The West Michigan Asian American Association (WMAAA) serves and advocates for the needs of Asian Americans in Michigan. WMAAA focuses on education, economic development, health care and social justice.
These five organizations will gather at a WOC GIVE Winter Social on December 14 to present their projects to WOC GIVE members, who will discuss, vote and announce the grant recipients.
Each of the five nominees will take home a portion of the $56,000 grant, which will be awarded as follows:
- The first recipient will receive $25,000
- The runner-up will receive $15,000
- The third place recipient will receive $10,000
- Fourth and fifth place winners will receive $3,000
Last year’s award recipients were Latin Americans United for Progress – $20,000, Escape Ministries – $12,000, First Generation Sound Film (in association with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland) – $8,000, TRIO Link Up – $1,000 and The Diatribe – $500.
More details on the upcoming field event will be shared at a later date.
