Search Grantees

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Movement Strategy Center is a collective ecosystem providing intermediary services and thought partnership to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and LGBTQIA+ movement leaders addressing systemic racism, environmental destruction and economic exploitation. Sixteen teams from all across the country and various movements gathered in Northern California for the Practice of Place Lab, knowing that it is in the economy, ecology and decision making closest to our lives that we have the greatest possibility to generate new, community-led, participatory models of democracy that nurture wholeness, community power, mutual abundance and justice.

Abstract or Project Description

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating neuromuscular diseases through funding research, providing support services and advocating for improved treatments and policies. MDA’s efforts aim to enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by muscular dystrophy and related conditions, ultimately striving for a future free of these debilitating diseases.

Abstract or Project Description

National Performance Network’s 32nd Annual Meeting will provide professional development opportunities, networking and performance opportunities to Bay Area artists.

Abstract or Project Description

A new play by artist and community activist Jewelle Gomez about the life of Black lesbian singer/songwriter Alberta Hunter.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is less common in parts of the world with parasitic worm infections than in the developed world. Understanding why may lead to new types of therapy. We recently found that infection by parasitic worms increases the number of beneficial anti-inflammatory Clostridiales bacteria in the intestine, and that these bacteria can outcompete harmful disease-causing bacteria. Therefore, one reason why people living in the developed world are more likely to develop IBD may be because their intestines are no longer colonized by these beneficial bacteria. To restore a healthy “gut microbiome”, we may need to recolonize patients with these beneficial bacteria as a way to treat IBD. We propose to isolate beneficial Clostridiales bacteria from indigenous people of Malaysia who are infected by parasitic worms. These bacteria are potentially more beneficial when administered to IBD patients. We will test this by examining their ability to kill harmful disease-causing bacteria and restore a healthy gut microbiome. We will also use an animal model of IBD to determine whether this approach can reverse disease. If successful, we believe that Clostridiales from indigenous Malaysians, or products that these bacteria produce, can be used to treat IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

The Oakland Leaf Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth development programs and educational opportunities in Oakland, California. Through a range of after-school and summer programs, they aim to empower young people with academic support, leadership skills and creative expression, fostering a stronger sense of community and resilience.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the Oakland Public Library’s Children’s Literacy Programming Fund, which supports early literacy and promotes a love of reading through a range of services, with a focus on initiatives that create access to books (e.g., summer reading, winter bingo, books for wider horizons, and Share the Love outreach distribution).

Abstract or Project Description

To support a Research Associate position that will focus on pre-kindergarten to third grade alignment of educational programs, student outcomes through data, and continuous improvement of early literacy strategies district-wide.

Abstract or Project Description

A collaboration between ODC/Dance and the San Francisco choral group Volti. Taking place at Grace Cathedral, Blink of an Eye is a site-specific performance which will explore the concept of pilgrimage.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the distribution of Talk, Read, Sing materials to 2,800 families with young children ages 0-3, via Oakland clinics. Emphasis will be placed on children 0-1 at the time of delivery and the well child checkup so that messaging can get to families as early as possible.

Abstract or Project Description

At Our Lady of Grace’s mission encompasses fostering personal faith growth, practicing Christian stewardship, promoting hospitality, engaging youth and younger adults and serving the greater community with gospel values of unity, service and compassion.

Abstract or Project Description

The Pacific Writers’ Connection (PWC) is a Hawai’i based nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging nature and place writers, youth writing and reading programs to strengthen a network of global citizens who share concerns about their environments, communities, place, people and cultures.

Abstract or Project Description

An evening-length work composed of two, large-scale projects, XY and XX that feature Randee Paufve’s collaborations with male choreographers and a series of solos created alongside female artists, examining violence against women and female empowerment.

Abstract or Project Description

Gastrointestinal (GI) health is essential for overall body health. Inflammatory insults to the GI mucosa often cause profound and irreversible changes of GI homeostasis, including disrupted enteric neural regulation and subsequent alteration of GI function. Mucosal inflammation causes irreversible structural changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS), demonstrating a strong linkage between inflammation and GI innervation. Understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that link mucosal inflammation with the loss/regeneration of enteric neurons are the focus of this proposal.

We characterized a phenotypically and transcriptionally distinct subset of intestinal macrophages that reside along the neural fibers of enteric neurons and are particularly enriched at the level of myenteric neural plexus of the ENS; we discovered a novel mechanism of crosstalk between these macrophages with enteric neurons. By using infectious and non-infectious murine models of transient mucosal inflammation and state of the art immunological and physiological techniques we will determine the role of mucosal inflammation, ENS-associated macrophages and the factors that they produce in regulation of homeostasis and function of enteric neurons during mucosal inflammation. The proposed studies will substantially advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of post-inflammatory enteric neuropathy known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) common in patients with IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Phat Beets Produce aims to create a healthier, more equitable food system in Oakland and beyond by providing affordable access to fresh produce, facilitating youth leadership in health and nutrition education and connecting small farmers to urban communities via the creation of a CSA (community supported agriculture), community farm stands, markets and youth entrepreneurship.

Abstract or Project Description

Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley Inc. (PPPSGV) is a nonprofit organization that provides sexual and reproductive health care services and education in the Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley area of California. As a separate entity within the Planned Parenthood network, PPPSGV operates with the shared mission of ensuring access to high-quality, affordable reproductive health care and education for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance.

Abstract or Project Description

Playworks Education Energized is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the school experience for children through the power of play. They provide schools with training, resources and support to implement structured recess and play programs that promote social and emotional learning, reduce bullying and enhance overall school culture.

Abstract or Project Description

A three-year grant to support the Resident Playwrights Initiative and Production Fund, which provides an array of support and resources for ten Bay Area playwrights over a four-year term and includes a Production Fund for one project each year in partnership with a Bay Area theater.

Abstract or Project Description

The final, full-evening collaboration between Post:Ballet and SF-based guitar/percussion duo The Living Earth Show. Integrating original scores by composers Chris Cerrone, Jacob Cooper, Anna Meredith, Nicole Lizée, and Jonathan Pfeffer, Do Be weaves together themes of intimacy, community, individuality, and transcendence through six unique perspectives.