ACT for Alexandria is giving $38,000 to 19 nonprofits and community leaders to dismantle systemic racism and advance racial equity, the nonprofit announced today.
The $2,000 individual donations were made from the organization’s Fund for Racial Equity, and approved projects include a spelling bee for local students, a mobile eye health clinic, and a mentorship program for community pharmacists, according to ACT.
“Alexandrians are passionate about and committed to nurturing a thriving, racially just, and equitable community,” said Heather Peeler, CEO of ACT for Alexandria. “The Fund for Racial Equity was established to uplift and invest in the ideas and solutions of every-day Alexandrians. We are grateful for the vision and creativity of the awardees.”
In all, 19 projects were chosen from 35 proposals by the 10-member Fund for Racial Equity advisory board. The Fund was established in 2022, and these are the first grants to be awarded.
“As a board, we understand that even small investments can make a large difference,” Advisory Board member Bill Campbell said. “Especially for the individuals on the community level who are doing the work.”
The awardees are:
- Alexandria City High School Athletics
- ALIVE!
- Beatley Central Library
- Carlos Ampuero
- Carpenters Shelter
- Center for Alexandria’s Children
- Chrysalis Development Group
- Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria
- Friends of Guest House
- Inspira Dance
- Maria Rodriguez
- Marsha Banks-Harold
- National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation
- Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
- Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington
- Restoration Immigration Legal Aid
- Sonia Price
- Tenants and Workers United
- Wesley Housing
