Investing in Grassroots Organizing for Racial and Health Equity: A Case Study and Recommendations for Funders

Overview

Creating healthy and sustainable communities of opportunity requires changing systems and structures to center the priorities and well-being of low-income communities of color. This report chronicles the story of how the Convergence Partnership, after more than 10 years into its tenure, learned to lean into the leadership of local advocates and embrace the power of grassroots organizing. It illustrates how a small and “risky” investment in an early-stage organizing effort supported the priorities and needs of low-income people and communities of color across California. Drawing from a series of interviews with equity advocates and organizers in California, as well as affiliated funders with deep experience in supporting grassroots advocacy, this report includes recommendations for other funders seeking ways to strategically advance health equity through policy and environmental change. Download the report.