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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

The Berkeley Free Clinic provides free medical care, driven by the belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right. Their mission to ensure everyone has access to compassionate, dignified healthcare regardless of their ability to pay, while empowering the community with basic knowledge for informed decision-making and self-advocacy.

Abstract or Project Description

To provide general operating support in memory of Zachary Symons-Rogers

Abstract or Project Description

A Filipino Futurism Punk Rock Sci-Fi Music Play set in a diasporic, dystopian future where creativity is outlawed. “DarkHeart” immerses the audience in speculative futures, Filipino Futurism (influenced from Afrofuturism), explorations of Filipino diaspora and liberation, indigenous sciences and decolonization movements.

Abstract or Project Description

Boon Tutorial Intervention Program will pilot its interventions with twelve Oakland students. Notably, its first national pilot corroborated the impact proven by the intervention program it utilizes.

Abstract or Project Description

Inappropriate and chronic inflammatory responses underly the development of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. This process is an intertwined, inter-cellular cascade among diverse immune cells and tissue stroma. The interactions between immune and stromal cells not only propagate inflammatory responses but also regulate resolution of inflammation. Yet, we do not understand how immune cells interact with tissue stroma when intestinal inflammation occurs and resolve. We propose to first develop cutting-edge technologies that discover interacting partners of immune cells in vivo in a high-throughput and unbiased manner. We will then apply these new tools to identify the interactomes of immune cells over the course of intestinal inflammation. Funding from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation will support our program to map out the path of immune-stromal interactions from a healthy intestine to an inflamed tissue to recovery and repair. Targeting immune-stromal interactions that cause inflammatory propagation as well as the resolution will establish a new strategy to alleviate inflammation. Our long-term goal is to leverage this knowledge to switch “inflammatory interactions” to “resolving interactions” in order to restore intestinal homeostasis, which will ultimately curtail IBD and its devastating health implications.

Abstract or Project Description

To lead advocacy to improve conditions for artists and arts organizations while building public support for the arts.

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Career Girls is founded on the dream that every girl around the world has access to diverse and accomplished women role models Ñ to learn from their experiences and to discover their own path to empowerment.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the Center for Cultural InnovationÕs Sol Center for Liberated Work policy and advocacy program for artists.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the Center for Cultural InnovationÕs AmbitioUS initiative to identify innovative and alternative models that center equity to advance equitable outcomes for artists and the field, including new and sustainable frameworks such as cooperative platforms that pool risk and rewards.Ê

Abstract or Project Description

A reexamination of the Middle Eastern epic story rumored to have inspired Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Torange Yeghiazarian’s adaptation will experiment with Iranian performance traditions, music and movement in an ensemble-driven creative process. Unlike traditional tellings, this adaptation will center the female character, Leyli, directly challenging the erasure of women’s experience in historic literary works.

Abstract or Project Description

Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Days explore advances in pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research, gaps in knowledge in pediatric IBD and target areas for future pediatric IBD research.

Abstract or Project Description

The epithelial cells lining the intestine control responses to gut bacteria, limiting intestinal damage in Crohn’s disease. A critical gene in this pathway is DUOX2, which is up-regulated in response to bacteria, and helps maintain intestinal health.  We discovered that Crohn’s disease patients who carry genetic variants in DUOX2 are more likely to progress to fibrotic disease complications requiring surgery. We tested an intestinal gene signature for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease in a database containing 2000 small molecules, identifying 140 which might be more effective therapies. Our studies will now utilize a novel Human Intestinal Organoid, or “mini-gut” model system for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease that we have developed informed by genetic factors like DUOX2. We have prepared stem cells from pediatric Crohn’s disease patients who did or did not have DUOX2 genetic variants, and will differentiate them into white blood cells and human intestinal organoids. This novel model system will be used to test ways to modulate pathways linked to fibrosis in patients, by screening the top small molecules which we have identified as potentially beneficial. Our studies will advance precision medicine, by developing a platform to screen new therapies in patient-derived intestinal organoids with clinically important genetic variants.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the filmmaker hub formerly known as Oakland Film Center.

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A dance-based work of performance grappling with multi-racial collaboration, anti-racist art, queer eroticism and femme power. Using the radical concept of “failure” as a form of protest of purity and perfection, the piece will challenge rigid success notions and create space to reimagine alternatives.

Abstract or Project Description

Support for school supplies, meals for food insecure students, character development (Built for Life) workshops and building job internship opportunities.

Abstract or Project Description

This award supported the Color of Gastrointestinal Illness (COGI)’s participation in Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week (CCAW) to elevate the impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) on BIPOC communities. CCAW aims to educate people about the symptoms, causes and ways to manage Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The week recognizes and supports IBD patients and appreciates the family members, caregivers, healthcare providers and researchers who help them battle their disease. This project is in collaboration with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists.

Abstract or Project Description

CURYJ (pronounced ‘courage’) unlocks the leadership of young people to dream beyond bars. They look to young people to lead the way in transforming our communities by investing in their healing, aspirations and activism.

Abstract or Project Description

To support operations for Fire Prevention, Regenerative Agriculture and Environmental/Climate Justice.

Abstract or Project Description

Community Music Center (CMC), founded in 1921, is a nonprofit music school and performance space with branches in the Mission and Richmond Districts. CMC makes high quality music accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, regardless of financial means.