The Center at Sierra Health Foundation announces $3.995 million in awards across 22 new Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI) grantee partners. This makes for a total of almost $14 million invested across 44 CEMI partner organizations. CEMI is focused on diversifying the nonprofits that receive and, ultimately, direct federal and state climate-resilient economic development initiatives. All funded partners receive robust technical assistance to build their capacity to reach this goal.
“Economic progress is only meaningful if it’s equitable. We’re proud that our CEMI partners are committed to leveraging public investments to create a more inclusive economy. The Center is committed to investing in their capacity to help them do so,” said Chet P. Hewitt, CEO, The Center. “These partners will be at the forefront of California’s recovery and climate resilience efforts for years to come.”
Funded nonprofits span the state and sectors. However, all partners are focused on increasing their capacity to advance equitable economic development. For example, The Utility Reform Network (TURN) will advance digital and energy equity through its Charging Faith project, which mobilizes Black clergy in educating Black communities about cost effective electric vehicles and financial incentives. Center for Empowered Politics Education Fund, the only organization in the country focused specifically on the nail community and industry, will expand the Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program and the Nail Salon High Road Program. These programs focus on safer workplace practices, fewer toxic products and better ventilation for employees. 4th Second develops infrastructure and capacity to address historic disinvestment in Vallejo with innovative community-led approaches.
The Center granted CEMI awards to the following community-based organizations:
- 4th Second
- AAPI Equity Alliance
- Alianza Coachella Valley
- CA Association for Microenterprise Opportunity
- California Heritage Indigenous Research Project
- Center for Empowered Politics Education Fund
- Cielo-Community for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership
- City Heights Community Development Corporation
- Comite Civico Del Valle Inc.
- Community Development Technologies Center
- Council on American-Islamic Relations-CA
- Dolores Huerta Foundation
- Friendship House Association of American Indians
- La Familia Counseling Center, Inc.
- Nevada Sierra Connecting Point Public Authority
- Organizacion en California Lideres Campesinas
- Oroville Southside Community Improvement Association
- Roots Community Health Center
- Stanislaus Equity Partners
- The United Way California Capital Region (UWCCR)
- Utility Reform Network
- West Fresno Family Resource Center
CEMI is funded by a collaborative of philanthropic organizations, including the Sierra Health Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, Blue Shield of California Foundation, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, The California Endowment and The California Wellness Foundation. With these awards, the current number of CEMI grantee partners now totals 44.