We are committed to building a society where everyone can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential, regardless of race. Because no matter where you come from, what you look like, or how much money your family has, everyone should have what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This is what makes our democracy strong, makes our economy more resilient, and moves our nation closer to living up to its highest ideals. 

We invest in the leadership and voices of those most affected by injustice in the U.S. South, building on our decade-long investments in reproductive health and recent investments in maternal and child health in Louisiana and Mississippi – where outcomes are among the worst in the nation. We also invest in efforts to defend Americans’ constitutional and legal rights guaranteed to all and to catalyze big ideas capable of unleashing transformative change to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our grantmaking focuses on removing barriers to opportunity, health, and prosperity that disproportionately affect Black people and communities, because when we eliminate obstacles for those most impacted, we drive progress that benefit everyone. For example, expanding access to Medicaid improves health care access not only for low-income Black families, but for all families with low incomes, while providing funding needed to keep local hospitals open, providing care and jobs for entire communities.

This initiative is informed by lessons learned from the five-year justice and equity fund the Foundation established in 2020.