“My vision for San Francisco is a city where everyone has an affordable home and stability so they can pursue their dreams” – B.L.I.N.G. Spring 2017 Grantee
This year, youth grantmakers in B.L.I.N.G. funded a record number of youth-led social justice initiatives in San Francisco– 18 projects!!! B.L.I.N.G. (Building Leaders in Innovative New Giving) is a youth-led social justice philanthropy program that brings San Francisco youth together to make funding decisions that enable youth to act on social injustices they see in their communities. Youth leaders across the city are granted up to $5,000 to create social change by implementing innovative and equity-centered projects in their communities.
Each funding cycle, BLING’s cohort of 8 grantmakers review each application they receive, interview all youth applicants, and present on each project to their fellow BLING board members on Decision Day. B.L.I.N.G.’s Spring 2017 grantees are addressing gender inequity, creating healing spaces, and bringing awareness to domestic violence, among much more.
We are excited to announce our Spring 2017 Grantees:
STEM Tinker Space (Lutheran Church of Our Savior’s Sisters in Science)
Goal: Engage elementary and middle school girls to build their self confidence and positive attitudes towards STEM by participating in science fairs and hack-a-thons. Expose girls to female mentors and role models in STEM careers.
Pre-Registering 16 & 17 Year Olds to Vote (San Francisco Youth Commission)
Goal: Increase the number of 16 and 17 year olds pre-registered to vote so that San Francisco voting electorate (currently skewed older and whiter than the general population) matches the city’s demographics.
That’s Not Love Talent Show (Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach Youth Advisory Council)
Goal: Showcase API talent while also combating the conventional image of API youth, and spread awareness about domestic violence by merging entertainment and education.
Young Women’s Empowerment Party (Sunset Youth Services)
Goal: Create a celebration event for young women in San Francisco to explore gender identity, celebrate their inner and outer beauty, and learn now to become leaders in their schools, communities, and city of San Francisco.
Healing Gardens (Leadership High Schools Wellness Warriors)
Goal: Expand and improve on our school’s healing garden so that students, staff, and community members can visit it when they’re feeling stressed or need a break. We will also provide educational workshops about how to use the healing herbs in our garden.
3rd Street Leadership Academy (3rd Street Youth Center & Clinic)
Goal: Learn about issues that affect our community (discrimination, racism, and housing inequality), create a community map using our issues, and research how long it takes for the city to respond to our needs via the 311 app.
Click here to view pictures from B.L.I.N.G.’s Spring 2017 Grantee KickOff!