Los Angeles, CA (November 4, 2024) — Building Equity and Alignment for Environmental Justice (BEA) is thrilled to announce $1.95 million in grants to nearly 40 grassroots environmental justice organizations through the 2024 BEA Fund. This year’s grants provide one-year general operating support of $50,000 to each recipient, empowering communities to address critical environmental and social challenges while building collective power and leadership.

The 2024 cohort includes 12 new grantees, expanding BEA’s network of organizations committed to creating meaningful, community-driven change.

2024 BEA Fund Highlights

The 2024 BEA Fund grantees represent a diverse array of organizations working to combat environmental racism and climate injustice. Key highlights include:

• 75% of grantees are Black- and Indigenous-led, with Black-led organizations comprising 54% and Indigenous-led organizations 31%.
• Grantees span 10 states, 2 U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and Guam), and 5 national organizations.
• One-third of grantees are new to BEA, reflecting a commitment to identifying and resourcing underfunded groups.
  Grantees utilize intersectional approaches, build strategic partnerships, and focus on empowering communities most impacted by environmental racism and the climate crisis.

“This year’s grantees embody the transformative power of grassroots leadership,” said Executive Director, Linda Saleh. “Their work addresses the systemic inequities at the heart of environmental justice and builds the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Grantmaking Rooted in Justice
BEA’s grantmaking focuses on three core priorities:

1. Supporting organizations led by and serving communities disproportionately affected by environmental racism.
2. Building collective power through intersectional solidarity and strategic partnerships.
3. Investing in organizational stability and long-term sustainability.
    

BEA utilizes a Participatory Grantmaking model, which shifts decision-making power to those most impacted by the resources distributed. Members of the Grant Review Committee, drawn from BEA’s three sectors (grassroots organizations, environmental groups, and funders), are appointed by the Steering Committee to ensure a diverse and inclusive review process.

Meet the 2024 BEA Fund Grant Review Committee

This year’s committee included leaders from across the environmental justice movement:

• Deborah Stewart Anderson - Zero Waste Detroit
• Jenna Beltrano - Evanston Community Foundation
• Brooke Hemlick - New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance
• Mea Johnson - North American Indian Center
• Queen Zakia Shabazz - United Parents Against Lead
• L. Jamala Taylor - Insight Garden Program
• Ngoc-Tran Vu - UPROSE
• Sayokla Williams - WMAN Indigenous Caucus
   

Reflecting on the process, committee members emphasized the importance of equitable funding. “The work of grassroots organizations is vital to addressing the inequities of environmental racism,” shared Queen Zakia Shabazz. “It was an honor to review these inspiring proposals and witness the transformative impact they are driving in their communities.”

Join Us in Supporting Grassroots Leadership
BEA extends its gratitude to all members of the Grant Review and Steering Committees for their dedication, wisdom, and labor in advancing environmental justice. Their efforts ensure that resources are distributed equitably to empower those leading the charge for systemic change.

For more information about the 2024 BEA Fund and a full list of grantees, please visit www.beajustice.org or contact grantmaking@bea4impact.org.