Search Grantees

Abstract or Project Description

A full-length work for eight dancers—all women aged over 40—featuring an original score written and performed by composer Gretchen Jude, and a set designed and constructed by visual artist Cybele Lyle.

Abstract or Project Description

The first aim of this grant was to compare the motility results provided by the GutTracker Wireless Patch System with an existing FDA cleared measurement, the Medtronic SmartPill. GutTracker results are reported in terms of the frequencies and strengths of peaks in time-based frequency spectra. These were shown to be in concordance with spectral analysis of simultaneous SmartPill pressure measurements. Some of this data was used in a successful FDA 510k submission to validate this unique new measurement modality and assign the frequencies to either the stomach, small intestine and colon. The second aim involved tests with volunteers where stimulant drugs were administered while they were being monitored. Some, but not all, colonic stimulants were found to produce strong peaks in the spectral region believed to be colonic based on the SmartPill testing. The result led to an understanding that the system can objectively examine the effect of drugs.

Abstract or Project Description

The intestinal microbiota is the collective term used to described the microbial community living in our intestine and playing important roles. However, the intestinal microbiota is also playing a central role in the development of many chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously reported, in mice, that the consumption of dietary emulsifiers, a food additive broadly used by the food industry to improve texture and extend shelf life of processed food, is able to detrimentally alter the intestinal microbiota, promoting the development of intestinal inflammation. In the current research project, we propose to test the impact of dietary emulsifier on human microbiotas from IBD patients, including IBD patients carrying pathogenic bacteria, named adherent-invasive Escherichia coli and known to be involved in disease susceptibility. We predict that IBD microbiotas will be very prone to disturbance by emulsifiers and that such disturbances may initiate/drive intestinal inflammation. The study of the impact of dietary emulsifiers on IBD-derived microbiota may advance a general paradigm of understanding non-genetic factors that can drive IBD development and promote disease flares. Moreover, our studies may result in dietary advice for those at risk of or suffering from IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

A solo show which takes an unflinching and personal look at the Syrian refugee crisis.

Abstract or Project Description

Sycamores, formerly known as Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Southern California for over a century, offering vital care and services during challenging times. With a rich history dating back to 1902, Sycamores continues to provide innovative and impactful behavioral health programs, positively affecting over 18,000 lives annually,

Abstract or Project Description

Marin Humane proudly welcomed Hopalong to their family, as Hopalong Animal Rescue officially joined in July 2021. Leveraging their network of foster homes, connections to shelters statewide and adoption outposts, Hopalong aids Marin Humane in bringing joy to more lives than ever.

Abstract or Project Description

A three-year capacity building grant of $105,000 to support additional staff, expand the organization’s board and grow revenue to support increased programming opportunities.

Abstract or Project Description

The Humane Society of Utah animal shelter/clinic offers affordable spays/neuters and vaccinations, pet adoptions and rehoming and training.

Abstract or Project Description

So far, most research on the microbiome in IBD has mostly focused on gut bacteria. However, there is increasing evidence to support that other members of the microbiome, such as viruses, may also have an important role. Herein we plan to study the role of viral exposures in IBD development. A major challenge of this type of study is to disentangle what is cause, and what is consequence of the inflammatory process. However, having access to a unique cohort of pre-clinical samples, where we were able to gather thousands of samples from patients with Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis, years before their diagnosis, as well as matched healthy individuals, addresses some of the challenges. Acquiring mechanistic information into preclinical disease can therefore potentially uncover key pathogenic events. In this unique cohort, we will use also a unique method, recently described, called the VirScan. This is a very sensitive and specific assay, that has the ability assess all viral exposures that happened throughout the life span of an individual. By combining this unique technique in a distinctive cohort, we hope to be able to identify whether there are specific viral exposures that may act as triggers for the development of IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Interface Gallery was an independently run, nonprofit exhibition space in Oakland, CA, which was founded and directed by Suzanne LÕHeureux. Over the course of its nine year duration, the gallery presented work by artists from around the world, hosted readings and talks, and regularly commissioned writings and performances in response to its exhibitions.

Abstract or Project Description

A new dance theater work which will explore the concept of finding a safe haven with original songs contributed by a collaborating group of composers.

Abstract or Project Description

Support for equipment, competitions and field trip expenses.

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

A series of videos featuring site-specific dances, performed in cinematic urban and natural world settings, that tell intimate, personal stories of artists’ journeys, as well as universal stories about their city or community.

Abstract or Project Description

A three-year grant to support FRESH Festival, an annual festival of experimental dance, performance, and music in San Francisco, which provides a platform for new work and perspectives in dance, art and culture serving artists and audiences through programming in performance, practice and community exchange.

Abstract or Project Description

Lenora Lee Dance’s first underwater multimedia dance experience premiering in the beautifully renovated San Francisco YMCA swimming pool on Sacramento Street. This under water work for eight dancers will integrate contemporary dance, original music, and video projection.

Abstract or Project Description

The Lions Eye Foundation of California-Nevada, Inc. (LEF) is a longstanding 501(c)(3) organization, operating for over 60 years. It provides essential eye surgeries to residents across Northern California and Nevada, with support from local Lions Clubs, which have expanded from 19 to over 300 member clubs.

Abstract or Project Description

An evening-length immersive performance integrating an installation that engages the audience and a broad range of people from the community in a letter writing project and a performance installation inside the theater.

Abstract or Project Description

To provide support and maintenance of Literacy Lab’s LitTab (e-readers) program in 22 classrooms, LitBag (take home books with journals) program in 18 classrooms, and Learning Stations in 52 preschool classrooms, serving 1,752 students.