October 13, 2015

My name is Jemma Pasch, and I am a part of this year’s Environmental Justice Giving Project. Six months ago, I joined this giving project and worked with other members to build a shared understanding of environmental justice. I learned about organizations doing this vital work in the Northwest and asked my networks to support them, bringing new people into the movement while shifting resources in a meaningful way.

Together, 14 of us raised $153,400 by challenging ourselves and our communities to make two-year pledges. Because of this new Social Justice Fund strategy of making two-year grants, we were able to grant out more funds than any environmental justice giving project has in Social Justice Fund history!

These seven organizations we’re funding are doing such important and amazing work in our communities. I am proud that we’re funding organizations that see themselves as part of the environmental justice movement, and in such diverse ways: housing, transportation, food sovereignty, recycling, and building people of color-led coalitions for climate justice.

Here is who we funded:

• Community Alliance of Tenants – Portland, OR
• Community to Community Development – Bellingham, WA
• Got Green – Seattle, WA
• Hilltop Urban Gardens – Tacoma, WA
• OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon – Portland, OR
• Progreso – Yakima, WA
• Wind River Native Advocacy Center – Riverton, WY

Read more about the organizations and their work here.

Social Justice Fund’s model challenged me to think in new and different ways about my own giving and ways of funding community organizing. Although it was hard at times, I trusted the process and found that funding this movement can be done with joy and passion.

I hope that you are inspired by my experience and consider joining a Giving Project or Learning Group. The Economic Justice Learning Group is starting soon on November 3rd. It will focus on gentrification and displacement, which is an important issue where environmental and economic justice intersect. If you’re interested, contact Magan Do.

Thanks for being part of this movement with me.

Jemma Pasch

2015 Environmental Justice Giving Project Member