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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. Magic Theatre is a center for creating and performing new American plays dedicated to supporting and centering BIPOC artists and the community. Managing Director Kevin Nelson has led the organization for five years.

Abstract or Project Description

Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have dysfunctions in gut motility, the movement of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. Currently, most available therapeutics developed to directly target the gut fail to stabilize symptoms, suggesting that dysfunctions in gut motility could arise from pathological changes occurring outside the gut. Intriguingly, gut motility problems also occur at high frequencies in patients with neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases, associated with dysregulated neural activity in a specific region of the brain, the cerebral cortex. We propose that dysregulated neural activity in the cortex contributes to the emergence of gut dysfunction. We will test this hypothesis by first identifying specific regions in the cortex that are anatomically connected to the gut and then determining if modulating neural activity within these regions alters gut function. Additionally, we will use established mouse models of various neurological disorders and IBD to ask whether restoring homeostatic levels of neural activity to the cortex improves gut phenotypes. Our study will provide anatomical and functional evidence to support the concept that cortical modulations regulate gut motility. Furthermore, the insight gained from the study can lead to novel therapeutics for ameliorating gut motility symptoms in IBD patients.

Abstract or Project Description

Despite medical advances, a significant proportion of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients are resistant to therapies, with CD4 T cells being consistently activated. Analysis of inflamed tissues from a cohort of refractory IBD patients reveals an enrichment of metabolism gene transcripts in CD4 T cells. Exploring the mechanisms, our preliminary data demonstrate that several proinflammatory cytokines can independently trigger metabolic phenotypes which we believe reinvigorates the pathogenic function of CD4 T cells. This led us to formulate the hypothesis that IBD CD4 T cells, governed by metabolic cues, utilize common intracellular metabolites to drive inflammatory response that results in disease pathogenesis. Thus, our research goal is to identify the metabolic vulnerabilities of IBD CD4 T cells, which will consequently guide strategies for developing efficacious therapies.

Abstract or Project Description

A site-specific outdoor dance project by Megan Lowe Dances connecting San Francisco’s Chinatown and Oakland’s Chinatown. Funds from a development support grant will go toward investigating shared and divergent cultural practices between the two neighborhoods, as well as free outdoor workshops and community conversations with Asain American and Pacific Islander residents.

Abstract or Project Description

Direct aid for Gaza, Palestine.

Abstract or Project Description

Expands access to research for diverse audiences through investigative journalism.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are typified by bouts of inflammation-induced epithelial damage and repair. By take cues from their microenvironment or “niche”, intestinal stem cells (ISCs) direct these fluctuating pathological and reparative states in IBD. Yet, we do not understand which cells comprise the inflamed ISC niche and how they switch on programs of repair. To track evolving ISC niches, we are proposing the development of a new cutting-edge Niche-labeling system. Our ultimate goal is to understand how ISC niches change over the course of disease and leverage this information to reprogram an “inflammatory ISC niche” into a “regenerative ISC niche” and achieve lasting remission in IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Mujeres Unidas y Activas (MUA) empowers Latina and Indigenous immigrant women through personal transformation and civic engagement to achieve social and economic justice. The grant supports two years of training for mothers and informal caregivers in early literacy and child development to prepare children of Spanish and Mam-speaking immigrants for school readiness.

Abstract or Project Description

Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA) fosters self-expression, culture and community-building through the arts, centering youth voices. The grant supports a weekly program combining artmaking and storytelling to develop language skills for children ages zero to five and their caregivers in Oakland’s Mam community.

Abstract or Project Description

A provocative burlesque-style program that pushes against expectations of what hula should be. Inspired by the musical “Cabaret” but with hula and without the Nazis, this will be an adult-themed show that cheekily reflects the impacts and realities of our ever-evolving multicultural world.

Abstract or Project Description

To support quick turnaround loans to arts organizations.

Abstract or Project Description

Convenes literacy nonprofits and educators, as well as provides literacy advocacy and data-sharing.

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. Oakland Literacy Coalition is a coordinating and capacity-building organization dedicated to improving literacy outcomes in Oakland. Their Founding Co-Executive Director of eight years is Sanam Jorjani.

Abstract or Project Description

Oakland Starting Smart and Strong (OSSS) advances racial justice and advocates for systemic changes to create an effective early childhood ecosystem for children ages zero to five. The technical assistance grant supports a communications.

Abstract or Project Description

Convenes early childhood organizations and educators, as well as provides early care advocacy and data-sharing.

Abstract or Project Description

Oakland Literacy Coalition (OLC) strengthens OaklandÕs network of schools and literacy providers to ensure every child learns and loves to read. The technical assistance grant supports fundraising.

Abstract or Project Description

A devised theater piece that explores intergenerational silences left in the wake of migration. Through relationships with their parents and local community members, Erika Chong Shuch and Sharon Shao will devise an immersive performance that uses theater and food to facilitate intergenerational conversations and stories.

Abstract or Project Description

To support Rise East in meeting a $50M local match goal to unlock $50M in funding from Blue Meridian Group.

Abstract or Project Description

Provides TK-2 literacy and language coaching and training for educators in OUSD focal schools.