Organizing Power Grantees

Supporting grassroots community organizations and social justice movements led by People of Color who have been systems-impacted is the pathway to building advocacy and organizing power.

Organizing Power, in the context of racial justice, is the ability of communities most impacted by structural racism to develop, sustain, and grow an organized base of people who act together through democratic structures to set agendas, shift public discourse, influence who makes decisions, and cultivate ongoing relationships of mutual accountability with decision makers that change systems and advance racial justice.

Narrative Power
Political Power
Economic Power
Organizing Power

TRANSFORMATIONAL ANCHOR ORGANIZATIONS

Supporting a sustainable organizing power infrastructure for racial justice in Virginia.

OrganizationAboutGrant AmountMulti-YearWebsite
Virginia Organizing (VO)https://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Virginia-Organizing-Horizontal-2-Logo.jpgVirginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives. Virginia Organizing especially encourages the participation of those who have traditionally had little or no voice in our society.$350,0005Learn More
The Commonwealth Institute (TCI)https://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TCI_Primary-scaled.jpgThe Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI) advances racial and economic justice in Virginia by advocating for public policies that are designed in partnership with people most impacted, and shaped by credible, accessible fiscal and policy research.$350,0005Learn More
New Virgina Majority (NVM)https://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NewVAMajority-EF-Color-Logo.pngNew Virginia Majority (NVM), Virginia’s leading civic engagement organization, builds power in working-class communities of color across the Commonwealth. We organize in communities year-round for racial, economic, and environmental justice through political education, mass-scale voter outreach, mobilization, and intensive leadership development around dozens of issues.$350,0005Learn More

TRANSFORMATIONAL IDENTITY ORGANIZATIONS

Building the individual power of racialized organizing groups to maximize collective impact in Virginia.

OrganizationAboutGrant AmountMulti-YearWebsite
CASAhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CASA-logo-maroon.pngCASA has been advocating for legislative change in the Virginia General Assembly since 2014. As the largest immigrant and Latino advocacy organization, CASA continues pushing for justice, serving as a shining example of iconic Virginian Ella Baker: “Give light and people will find the way.”$175,0005Learn More
Muslims for Just Futureshttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Muslims-for-Just-Futures.pngMJF’s power-building work focuses on investing in the leadership of Muslim women and working-class communities. Our power-building model uses a divest and reinvest framework to build power, and integrates collective care, organizing, advocacy, and movement-building.$175,0005Learn More
Native Organizers Alliancehttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Native-Organizers-Alliance.pngNative Organizers Alliance amplifies the power of tribes, organizations, and communities to drive policy change in Indian Country. We build political power, Indigenous leadership, and advocacy, all with the intent of creating equity for all. $175,0005Learn More
HAMKAE Centerhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HAMKAE_Logo_RGB-1.jpgHamkae Center works to build a future in which low- and middle-income, immigrant, people of color, and marginalized communities can fully participate in U.S. society and work together as makers of lasting change.$175,0005Learn More

Organizing Power Grantees

Supporting a network of organizations across every region of the Commonwealth:

OrganizationAboutGrant AmountMulti-YearWebsite
Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborativehttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vajec-logo.jpgThe mission of the VEJC is to build the health and wealth of communities of color, low-income communities, and communities overburdened by pollution in Virginia by reducing the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards through educating, empowering, and mobilizing grassroots organizations and individuals to speak for themselves and through building an alliance to advocate for equitable policies and practices.$50,0003Learn More
Richmond Reproductive Freedom Projecthttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RRFP-OG-Logo-Vector.pngRRFP seeks to further Reproductive Justice by providing practical and financial support for abortion services in Virginia and surrounding communities. RRFP strives to be a resource to the community by engaging in grassroots advocacy for the full spectrum of reproductive rights.$50,0002Learn More
Nolef Turnshttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NolefTurns_Horizontal_Logo-cobalt.pngNolef Turns was established to build a network of resources for individuals with court and justice involvement to thrive post-conviction. Our goals are to fight against our unjust judicial system and to help end mass incarceration.$90,0005Learn More
RISE for Youthhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RISE4Youth.jpgRISE for Youth is a nonpartisan organization committed to dismantling the youth prison model and ensuring every space that impacts a young person’s life encourages growth and success. Our work centers youth and their communities who together, challenge racial and social injustice in Virginia.$90,0005Learn More
Tenants and Workers Unitedhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TWU-logo.jpgTWU organizes low-income communities of color, working with immigrants, women, youth, and low-wage workers, to build power so people can become change agents. We push to secure sustainable systemic changes that advance racial, economic, and social justice through community-led campaigns$90,005Learn More
Virginia Community Voicehttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/VACV-logo-transparent-background-2.jpgVACV works to equip neighbors in historically marginalized communities to realize their vision for their neighborhoods, and prepare institutions to respond effectively.$90,005Learn More
VA Student Power Networkhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vspn-logo-1.pngVirginia Student Power Network is a multi-issue grassroots network of radical young organizers from universities across Virginia who are building power for democratic, diverse, and accessible education, as well as social, racial, and economic justice on our campuses and beyond.$90,0005Learn More

RURAL ORGANIZATIONS

Supporting a network of organizations across the  Appalachia Region:

OrganizationAboutGrant AmountMulti-YearWebsite
Virginia Interfaith Power and Lighthttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/VAIPL-logo.pngVAIPL is a community responding to climate change by gathering, sharing, and advocating ecological wisdom through interfaith collaboration on behalf of current and future generations. VAIPL strives to empower all faith communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia to achieve sustainable living.$50,0002Learn More
Coalicion Solidaria Pro-Immigrantes Unidoshttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/New-Cospu-logo-2024.pngCOSPU works to empower immigrant families through our help and support, leadership mentoring, cultural and civic education, and advocacy that benefit the immigrant community in Virginia and across the country.$50,0003Learn More
Coalition for Justice https://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Coalition-for-Justice.pngCoalition for Justice has sought to bring groups and individuals, in the New River Valley and beyond, together in order to nurture a grassroots movement for positive social change.$30,0005Learn More
Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged and Disenfranchised (RIHD, INChttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RIHD.jpegRIHD is an all-volunteer, non-partisan Virginia-based organization working together to improve the effectiveness and fairness of Virginia’s justice system.$30,0005Learn More
Black Appalchian Young and Risinghttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TransparentSTAYLogo.pngSo what does it mean to live in Appalachia, be young, and be Black? The BAYR network will analyze this question and push this analysis into collective action. BAYR will be creating a dignified and autonomous space for Black youth to: 1) define Black Appalachian joy and identity for ourselves, 2) begin a restorative process for Black leadership in regional youth networks such as Stay Together Appalachian Youth and 3) celebrate the many shades and melodies of our existence.$50,0002Learn More
Appalachian Community Fundhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ACF.pngAppalachian Community Fund provides resources and support to grassroots groups and community-based organizations working for social, economic, racial and environmental justice in Central Appalachia.150,0002Learn More

RAPID RESPONSE FUND

OrganizationAboutGrant AmountMulti-YearWebsite
Birth in Colorhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Birth-in-Color-RVA-Logo-Guide_Full-Color.pngSince our founding in 2018, we’ve been on a mission to bring cultural inclusivity to the forefront of Maternal Health Reproductive Justice narratives. Through community events, workshops, and steadfast policy efforts, we're working to redefine what maternal health means for families of color.15,0001Learn More
Partnership for Southern Equityhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PSE.pngFounded in 2008, PSE is a nonprofit organization that advances policies and institutional actions that promote racial equity and shared prosperity for all in the growth of metropolitan Atlanta and the American South. Through forums, research, and organizing efforts, PSE brings together the regional community to lift up and encourage just, sustainable, and civic practices for balanced growth and opportunity.$15,0001Learn More
Movement Mattershttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MM-Logo.png​​Movement Matters furthers the vision and capacity of local and national social change and justice organizations. Movement Matters brings a unique perspective grounded in decades of direct experience organizing with local Brown, Black, and immigrant communities, while also being informed by deep relationships, connections, ​and work with other regional and national movement building efforts.$5,0001Learn More
Waymakers Collectivehttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WaymakersCollective_Primary_Logo-scaled.jpgThe mission of The Waymakers Collective is to advance an Appalachian Futurism rooted in equitable justice, creative cooperation, and sustainable stewardship. We strive to sustain creative practice, land, livelihoods, and dialogue across neighborhoods and disciplines. We envision an Appalachia that supports the joy, imagination, and hopes of our artists, activists, and culture bearers. We sustain community organizations led by Black Indigenous and People of Color, young people, LGBTQ+ folks, non-English speakers, new immigrants, and those unlikely to get mainstream funding.$15,0001Learn More
Muslims for Just Futureshttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Muslims-for-Just-Futures.pngMJF’s power-building work focuses on investing in the leadership of Muslim women and working-class communities. Our power-building model uses a divest and reinvest framework to build power, and integrates collective care, organizing, advocacy, and movement-building.$12,2001Learn More

HEALING and REST FUND

OrganizationAboutGrant AmountMulti-YearWebsite
Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborativehttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vajec-logo.jpgThe mission of the VEJC is to build the health and wealth of communities of color, low-income communities, and communities overburdened by pollution in Virginia by reducing the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards through educating, empowering, and mobilizing grassroots organizations and individuals to speak for themselves and through building an alliance to advocate for equitable policies and practices.10,0001
Hamkae Centerhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HAMKAE_Logo_RGB-1.jpgHamkae Center works to build a future in which low- and middle-income, immigrant, people of color, and marginalized communities can fully participate in U.S. society and work together as makers of lasting change.8,0001
Just Harvesthttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Just-Harvest-temp-logo-.jpgA Black and Indigenous-led organization, Just Harvest was founded in 2022 as a result of the real and clear need for healthy, and stable food resources that were easily accessible to all communities of the Virginia Tidewater. Brought to life by the efforts of a diverse group of friends with a passion for community advocacy, the organization has quickly grown from a side discussion in a resiliency planning summit to an operable non-profit. Just Harvest works diligently to fulfill its mission of dismantling food apartheid through education and community building.10,0001
Progress VAhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Blue-PV.pngAt Progress Virginia, we drive powerful, values-based narratives to uplift and amplify grassroots voices through innovative digital communications and earned media strategies. We build progressive power alongside marginalized communities to tear down systems of white supremacy, advocate for equitable policies, and ensure leaders reflect the communities they serve. 10,0001Learn More
Virginia Student Power Networkhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vspn-logo-1.pngVirginia Student Power Network is a multi-issue grassroots network of radical young organizers from universities across Virginia who are building power for democratic, diverse, and accessible education, as well as social, racial, and economic justice on our campuses and beyond.10,0001
Tenants and Workers Unitedhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TWU-logo.jpgTWU organizes low-income communities of color, working with immigrants, women, youth, and low-wage workers, to build power so people can become change agents. We push to secure sustainable systemic changes that advance racial, economic, and social justice through community-led campaigns10,0001
Coalicion Solidaria Pro-Immigrantes Unidoshttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/New-Cospu-logo-2024.pngCOSPU works to empower immigrant families through our help and support, leadership mentoring, cultural and civic education, and advocacy that benefit the immigrant community in Virginia and across the country.10,0001

ORGANIZATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

OrganizationAboutGrant AmountMulti-YearWebsite
Just Harvesthttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Just-Harvest-temp-logo-.jpgA Black and Indigenous-led organization, Just Harvest was founded in 2022 as a result of the real and clear need for healthy, and stable food resources that were easily accessible to all communities of the Virginia Tidewater. Brought to life by the efforts of a diverse group of friends with a passion for community advocacy, the organization has quickly grown from a side discussion in a resiliency planning summit to an operable non-profit. Just Harvest works diligently to fulfill its mission of dismantling food apartheid through education and community building.15,0001
Tenants and Workers Unitedhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TWU-logo.jpgTWU organizes low-income communities of color, working with immigrants, women, youth, and low-wage workers, to build power so people can become change agents. We push to secure sustainable systemic changes that advance racial, economic, and social justice through community-led campaigns15,0001
Virginia Student Power Networkhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/vspn-logo-1.pngVirginia Student Power Network is a multi-issue grassroots network of radical young organizers from universities across Virginia who are building power for democratic, diverse, and accessible education, as well as social, racial, and economic justice on our campuses and beyond.15,0001
Birth in Colorhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Birth-in-Color-RVA-Logo-Guide_Full-Color.pngSince our founding in 2018, we’ve been on a mission to bring cultural inclusivity to the forefront of Maternal Health Reproductive Justice narratives. Through community events, workshops, and steadfast policy efforts, we're working to redefine what maternal health means for families of color.15,0001
Coalicion Solidaria Pro-Immigrantes Unidoshttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/New-Cospu-logo-2024.pngCOSPU works to empower immigrant families through our help and support, leadership mentoring, cultural and civic education, and advocacy that benefit the immigrant community in Virginia and across the country.15,0001
Hamkae Centerhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HAMKAE_Logo_RGB-1.jpgHamkae Center works to build a future in which low- and middle-income, immigrant, people of color, and marginalized communities can fully participate in U.S. society and work together as makers of lasting change.15,0001
Marijuana Justicehttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MJVA-LOGO-Final-01.pngMarijuana Justice is engaged in coordinated people power and intersectional coalition building to advance comprehensive reparations for the legacy of enslavement and the War on Drugs in Richmond, Virginia.15,0001
RISE for Youthhttps://weissbergfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RISE4Youth.jpgRISE for Youth is a nonpartisan organization committed to dismantling the youth prison model and ensuring every space that impacts a young person’s life encourages growth and success. Our work centers youth and their communities who together, challenge racial and social injustice in Virginia.15,0001
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Tamara Copeland
Tamara Copeland

(she/her)
Independent Trustee

In 2019, Tamara retired as president of the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers where she envisioned and implemented “Putting Racism on the Table”. Currently, she co-facilitates The Onion Dialogues, a racial justice training. In 2018, her memoir, Daughters of the Dream: Eight Girls from Richmond who grew up in the Civil Rights Era was published. Her latest book is REVEALED: A Once a Week Reading on Racism, Prejudice and Bias. She loves walking and traveling, having visited all fifty states and countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.