New grants approved!

I met with the wonderful Spirit in Action Board of Directors on March 30th to approve another round of funding. We are working to get money into the hands of people who can use it to transform the future into a place that is more just, more equitable, and more supportive of women and LGBT individuals. Thank you for joining us on this journey! On-going support Community Initiatives for Rural Development (CIFORD) (Kenya):
“There has been a gap in that a lot of information is given to the girls and women while men and boys are left ignorant [in the campaign against female genital cutting],” writes Margaret of CIFORD . This grant will support a series of workshop for girls, a separate set of workshops for boys, and a series of community meetings for male leaders. They all aim to eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and empower girls in the community. Universal Love Alliance (Uganda):
“It’s not glamorous, but it is necessary,” wrote Samson in his grant application for the on-going operating expenses of his organization. This group is continuing to hold workshops for faith leaders about accepting that “each person represents the image of God regardless of the person’s background, skin color, or sexual orientation.” Supporting ULA’s operating expenses frees them up to do the real work of the movement. New partners Sonkoyo Nailepu Women’s Group (Kenya):
Sixty women have come together to form this group in the Maasai Mara region in Kenya, with the aim to make women economically self-reliant. Together they will buy bulls and lambs and raise them for seven months before selling them at a profit. Rebuilder’s Charity (Democratic Republic of Congo):
This grant will economically empower twenty women in a region long-affected by war, violence, and political instability. The community organization will buy sewing machines and host a class on sewing and tailoring skills. Each graduate of the class will receive a start up fund to start a business. #womensrights #LocalOrganizations #FGM #SIAGrants #Empowerment #LGBTI