Los Angeles, CA (May 31, 2023) — Building Equity and Alignment for Environmental Justice (BEA) is proud to announce the launch of its Building Up Infrastructure, Leadership, and Development (BUILD) Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bolster the capacity of grassroots environmental justice organizations. The BUILD Program focuses on addressing critical gaps in infrastructure, leadership, and systems-building for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and people of the global majority.

In its inaugural year, BUILD is proud to support its first cohort of organizations, equipping them with the tools, technical assistance, and funding needed to strengthen their resilience and amplify their impact.

Meeting an Urgent Need

Grassroots environmental justice groups are at the forefront of the fight against climate change and environmental racism. However, these organizations often face chronic underfunding for essential back-office functions like financial management, technology, and strategic planning. BUILD addresses these challenges with three key strategies:

1. Financial Management, Sustainability, and Technology: Supporting organizations in areas such as budgeting, accounting, fundraising, grant writing, and IT infrastructure.
2. Program Strategy, Communications, and Evaluation: Providing guidance on strategic planning, project management, advocacy, communications strategies, and data evaluation.
3. Organizational and Personal Wellbeing: Supporting psycho-social, physical and digital wellbeing and security, professional development, leadership transitions, and board development.

BUILD is uniquely responsive to the needs of grassroots EJ groups,” said Linda Saleh, Executive Director of BEA. “By delivering rapid and targeted support, we aim to ensure these organizations are not just surviving but thriving in a rapidly changing landscape."

Rapid and Responsive Support

The BUILD Program’s innovative approach allows it to deliver funds within three weeks of approval to help organizations seize emergent opportunities or address urgent needs. This flexibility ensures that grassroots groups are equipped to sustain and amplify their transformative work while navigating the challenges of a dynamic funding and advocacy environment.

Welcoming the First Cohort

The inaugural BUILD cohort represents a diverse range of grassroots environmental justice organizations committed to addressing the root causes of environmental and climate injustice. Selected groups will receive targeted support, access to skill-focused workshops, and a community of learning that will enable them to focus on what they do best: leading community-driven solutions.