Kensington-based GALAEI recipient of Community Champions Awards & Grants Challenge

Date:

Share post:

Recipients of the initiative’s awards. | Photo courtesy of the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity

GALAEI, an organization based in Kensington, was recently announced as one of the 30 winners of the Community Champions Awards & Grants Challenge by the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity.

The initiative aims to support grassroots nonprofit organizations and individuals that support the city’s most vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $325,000 in grants, each ranging from $12,500 to $20,000, were awarded to 20 Philly-based organizations with annual budgets of under $1 million. In addition, 10 community members who took part in meaningful volunteer work each received $2,500 in one-time financial assistance.

“Black and brown communities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Philadelphia and across the nation, so CEO is focused on ensuring an equitable recovery by investing in organizations that are led by and serving people of color,” said Mitchell Little, the executive director of CEO, in a press release.

GALAEI, originally founded in 1989 by David Acosta, provides community wellness and educational services for “QTBIPOC” individuals. Programs run by the social justice organization focus on things such as HIV prevention, sexual education, group support, community engagement and access to competent healthcare.

“These organizations intimately understand the needs of their communities and are best equipped to address them,” Little said. “By distributing funds to groups that are already on the ground, doing the work, CEO hopes to help them sustain those efforts.”

A total of 108 organizations applied for the Champions Awards & Grants Challenge, with all entries reviewed and scored by a committee composed of city employees, various community leaders and nonprofit leaders.

Current Edition Star

Related articles

Kids-N-Hope Raises $13K at Philly Bingo Night

The Kids-N-Hope Foundation (“The Foundation”) raised around $13,000 during this month’s Purse and Power Tool Bingo event. 200...

Pennsylvania’s Home Care Industry Crisis Is Reaching a Breaking Point

The warning signs have been flashing for years, but Pennsylvania’s home care industry is now on the edge...

Bridge Deck Repair to Close Section of Interstate 76 West (Schuylkill Expressway)

Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that bridge deck repair on two structures will...

Kensington Opioid Programs Face Uncertainty Amid Parker’s New Plan

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration has shut down the Overdose Prevention and Community Healing Fund, a community-driven grantmaking process...