Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund awards $378K to nonprofits in 2024
A total of $378,000 was granted last year by the advisory committee of the Huntington-based Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund (LIUUF) at The New York Community Trust, the organization recently announced.
These grants support timely efforts to advance progressive social change by supporting civic participation among immigrants, increasing LGBT representation on boards, promoting inclusive school environments, advancing arts in education, and other social causes.
“For more than 30 years, the LIUUF has demonstrated bold leadership, championing projects that build power among marginalized groups and advocating for policies and practices that level the playing field,” said David Okorn, the trust’s vice president for Long Island. “Guided by Unitarian Universalist values, the LIUFF continues to make Long Island a more equitable and peaceful place for all of its residents.”
The fund was established by the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, and its advisory committee represents Unitarian Universalist congregations throughout Long Island. Its grantmaking goals include social justice, advocacy and education.
“In true Unitarian Universalist spirit, our 2024 grantees are focused on supporting people disproportionately affected by systemic racism, our justice system, and environmental harms, to make their voices heard and advance social justice for future generations of Long Islanders,” said Deborah Little, chair of the LIUUF advisory committee.
The fund awarded grants to 15 different nonprofits across Long Island and the greater New York area in 2024.
“LIUUF’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities, often overlooked due to systemic biases, positions them as a true champion of social justice,” said Margarita Espada, the executive and artistic director of Teatro Yerbabruja, a grantee of the fund. “Through this grant, Yerbabruja offers a safe haven for young, predominantly undocumented immigrants, empowering them to discover their voice, language, and cultural identity.”
For more information about the Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund, visit thenytrust.org/long-island.
