2004 is a year to celebrate at the Agape Foundation. For the first time ever, the Foundation crossed the million-dollar mark for grant making by awarding $1.18 million to 61 grassroots, peace and justice organizations. Almost a 30% increase from 2003!
In the spring of 2004, Agape’s Board of Trustees made grants to three organizations focusing on the topic of “True Security: Immigrant Rights.” These organizations are defending, protecting and empowering members of the Arab, Muslim and South Asian immigrant communities. Agape’s funds will help cove operating expenses, website maintenance, and the distribution of a CD recording of the voices of those under attack.
In the fall, the Board returned to its broad agenda of funding peace and justice by awarding grants to seven California-based organizations working on issues as diverse as anti-death penalty activities at San Quentin, anti-militarism organizing in San Diego and transgender rights in the Bay Area.
In 2004, Agape’s Board of Trustees accepted 14 new, grassroots, peace and justice organizations into the Fiscal Sponsorship Program. These new groups strengthen Agape’s mission by protecting human rights and the environment, opposing war, and championing the rights of women. By the close of the year, 68 start-up organizations could raise and receive tax-deductible gifts under Agape’s tax-exempt status.
Agape’s endowment, the Circle of Life Fund, continues to grow, and in 2004, received another bequest from a loyal and generous donor of 15 years. The Fund has now grown past the $100,000 mark.
And none of this work of preserving the environment, opposing war and violence, and defending our human rights could happen without the unending generosity of our donors. In November of 2004, the Foundation held its most successful fundraising event ever to celebrate 35 years of funding nonviolent social change efforts. And despite a year filled with war in Iraq and elsewhere, tragic environmental disasters, and contentious elections, Agape donors responded generously to our need to fund small, high-achieving organizations that can leverage a small grant into a big success. And Agape’s Board of Trustees and Board of Advisors, who provide financial support and professional advice, must be remembered for their generous contributions.
Thank you all for recognizing the importance of funding social change at this critical time in history.
