Los Angeles, CA (November 13, 2023) – Building Equity and Alignment for Environmental Justice (BEA) awards $4.8 million dollars in grants through the 2023 BEA Fund Cycle, “Weaving Together the Fabric of Our Movement”. The theme of this year’s BEA Fund cycle emphasizes the importance of uplifting intersectoral collaboration and strategic partnerships within the grassroots environmental justice movement. Ninety-one grassroots organizations will receive one-year general operating support grants of up to $75,000 to build local power and leadership, and influence the decisions that affect their communities. 

Don't talk it, live it, do it!” remarks Dr. P. Qasimah Boston, Steering Committee Co-chair and Founder of the Tallahassee Food Network. “These BEA awards represent a demonstration of the action needed to WIN! Now, more than ever, is the time to invest big and to go ten toes down for environmental and climate justice! Si Se Puede! 

This year, the BEA Fund cycle supported organizations aligned with our three grantmaking priorities: 1) Supporting organizations that are led by and serve Black, Indigenous, and communities of color most disproportionately affected by environmental racism; 2) Building collective power through intersectional solidarity and strategic partnerships, and 3) Investing in organizational stability and long-term sustainability.

Carlos Marentes, Steering Committee Co-chair and lead organizer of Border Agricultural Workers shares,  "The Steering Committee is proud and satisfied with the efforts made by BEA, its staff and its Review Committee in this new approval of grants to support an important number of community and grassroots organizations that are at the forefront of the fight for environmental, economic and social justice for all.”

The BEA Fund emerged from the environmental justice movement to offer a critical alternative to grassroots groups that are chronically undervalued, underfunded, and often excluded from mainstream philanthropy. From 2018-2022 the BEA Fund has granted approximately $16 million to over 130 grassroots organizations using a participatory grantmaking model.

In addition to financial support, all BEA Grantees will be able to access the newly launched technical assistance  program, Building Up the Infrastructure, Leadership and Development of the Grassroots Environmental Movement (BUILD), that will provide grantees with support to strengthen capacity in financial management, program strategy and evaluation, and organizational and personal wellbeing, among other areas.