(Melville, December 21, 2023)– The advisory committee of the Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund (LIUUF) has granted a total of $324,000 to 14 nonprofits in 2023. These grants support timely efforts to advance progressive social change, like advocacy training for Latina immigrants, protecting the culture and identity of our Island’s indigenous tribes, promoting inclusive school environments, and much more.
“The Fund advisors are proud to support these valued organizations that promote an inclusive vision of social and economic justice,” says Marian Russo, Chair of the LIUUF Advisory Committee. “This work brings to life the Universalist principles and is critical to protecting, empowering, and amplifying the voices of our neighbors who are often furthest from justice and opportunity.”
Descriptions of all the 2023 grants are listed below:
BEND THE ARC – A JEWISH PARTNERSHIP FOR JUSTICE $25,000 to organize allies to advance parole justice, criminal justice reform, and building a multiracial democracy.
BUTTERFLY EFFECT PROJECT $25,000 to instill confidence in girls and empower them to connect with the land and access fresh food.
CENTRO CORAZON DE MARIA $20,000 for a leadership development and advocacy training program for Latina immigrants.
GENDER EQUALITY NEW YORK $25,000 to increase awareness and build support for gender non-conforming individuals through public forums, education of legislators, and advocacy.
GENERATION CITIZEN $20,000 to inspire robust civic participation among young people.
LATINO JUSTICE PRLDEF $25,000 for legal advocacy supporting Latino immigrants on Long Island.
LI IMMIGRATION CLINIC $20,000 to support a pro se clinic that assists asylum seekers in representing themselves in immigration court.
NEW HOUR FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN LI $20,000 to increase the leadership and advocacy skills of women directly impacted by the criminal justice system.
OLA OF EASTERN LONG ISLAND $30,000 to advocate for state and local policies that protect the rights of and benefit Latino immigrants.
PADOQUOHAN MEDICINE LODGE $30,000 to protect the culture and identity of the Shinnecock Nation and other Indian tribes.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD HUDSON PECONIC $14,000 to foster civic engagement, improve access to health information and resources, and amplify community voices.
RURAL AND MIGRANT MINISTRY $20,000 to organize and support rural workers and their families.
TEATRO EXPERIMENTAL YERBABRUJA $25,000 for a social justice arts program to empower Latino immigrant youth and promote an inclusive school environment.
THE ADVOCACY INSTITUTE $25,000 for legislative advocacy training and capacity building on Long Island.
The Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund is a field-of-interest fund in The New York Community Trust – Long Island that promotes progressive social change. The fund was established by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock. Grants are made in response to competitive proposals received from Long Island nonprofit organizations. The proposals are reviewed by Trust staff and an advisory committee, composed of members of various Unitarian Universalist congregations across Long Island.
LIUU Advisors and Congregations:
- Marian Russo, Chair of the LIUUF Advisory Committee
- David Holstein, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork
- Jeanne Keegan-Hoenig, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork
- Deborah Little, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook
- James Monnier, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington
- Stephen Burby, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington
- Terry Bain, Veatch Partner – Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
