As climate change continues to disproportionately impact communities of color, it’s more crucial than ever to take meaningful, collaborative action. This year, we co-created the Climate Justice Grantmaking Cohort with Basilica Bio to support community-led organizations addressing climate justice.
Through this reimagined approach to philanthropy, we’re proud to announce our newest partner in impact – 350 Seattle.
Our goal with this initiative was to learn from and support local nonprofit organizations leading efforts to address the disproportionate effects of climate change on marginalized communities.
Over seven transformative months, a cohort of new and longtime SVP Partners, community leaders, and climate justice experts came together for collective learning and action. What set this process apart was its focus on creating an accessible, easy, and inclusive grant process. We simplified the application to remove traditional barriers and proactively engaged with organizations to ensure we fully understood their work and needs. Our inclusive decision-making process centered diverse voices, aligning with SVP’s values.
Terrell Engmann, Co-Executive Director of Basilica Bio, reflected on the depth of learning achieved during the process:
“This process prompted a ton of growth in its participants—we got the opportunity to go beyond surface-level conversation and to understand climate justice and grantmaking at a deeper level. This growth will undoubtedly carry forward into an impactful partnership with 350 Seattle!”
After thoughtful deliberation, the cohort selected 350 Seattle as the recipient of our Climate Justice Partnership. 350 Seattle is leading the way in grassroots climate activism, organizing to build sustainable, resilient communities through campaigns focused on climate policy, environmental justice, and collective action. Their work is not only inspiring but essential to ensuring that those most affected by climate change are at the center of solutions.
Shemona Morena, Executive Director of 350 Seattle, shared her excitement about the partnership:
“350 Seattle is thrilled and honored to be a new partner to the inaugural climate justice initiative with SVP in collaboration with Basilica Bio. Now is the time to build community power to tackle not only the climate crisis but the intersecting issues alongside it. Through partnerships such as this, we can build the energy and support we need to make transformative change in our city. We are looking forward to all the new relationships and campaigns we get to build.”
350 Seattle has been at the forefront of grassroots climate activism, organizing successful campaigns around divestment from fossil fuels, halting new oil and gas infrastructure, and advocating for policies that protect vulnerable communities. Their advocacy has led to landmark climate justice victories, and with this partnership, they’re poised to scale their impact even further.
The Climate Justice Partnership will provide 350 Seattle with three years of unrestricted funding totaling $75,000, along with capacity-building support.
Reflecting on the process, Nayiri Haroutunian, a cohort member, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and contribute to the partnership:
“Congratulations to 350 Seattle and to our whole cohort for making this all happen! I’m proud to have played a small role in all this; mostly grateful for all I learned.”
We’re incredibly excited about this partnership and can’t wait for you to learn more about 350 Seattle’s groundbreaking work. We invite you to explore their campaigns, get involved, and join us in this exciting journey toward a more equitable and sustainable future.
Interested in being part of this important work? Join us in supporting climate justice by contributing to SVP Seattle or by engaging in our next opportunity—the new Engage Cohort. This cohort is focused on advancing racial equity in education and offers a unique chance to deepen your commitment to racial justice through philanthropy. Learn more here.
Stay tuned for an opportunity to meet 350 Seattle and a lessons-learned report!