Creating a healthier, more equitable New Jersey.
Equity Ahora invests in resident-led community groups and networks, rooted in racial equity, and centered on systems change.
Equity Ahora is managed through a collaborative relationship among the Community Foundation of New Jersey, the Community Foundation of South Jersey, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Equity Ahora will provide funding and holistic support services to grassroots community powered groups rooted in racial equity and actively working on systems change. We believe that sustainable change and a significant shift in power dynamics is led by those most affected by the issues created by oppressive systems, structures and institutions.
Equity Ahora Pillars and What it Funds
Community Led-Powered
Groups whose membership, collective, constituents, community residents/members are the leaders and decision makers. Groups led by those most affected by the issues. Groups in which leadership and the collective of community members are the power holders directing activities, actions and the group's overall work.
Rooted in Racial Equity
Groups dedicated to historically marginalized communities. Groups taking concrete action to dismantle systemic racism and oppression, challenging power and privilege, shifting power dynamics in systems and institutional structures.
Centered on Systems Change
Groups actively working on changing systems to dismantle oppressive systems. Groups that are building community power to challenge institutional and systemic leadership so that these leaders become accountable to those most affected by the issues.
What Equity Ahora Does Not Fund:
- Groups centered on programs and services.
- Groups not focused on community organizing and power building.
- Groups informed or advised by the community but not powered by the community. Members of
- the community, people most affected by the issues are not the power holders or decision makers.