Our Funding
At Rachel’s Network, we believe in the power of women, particularly women of color, to create and nurture a healthy environment for all. Women are writing transformative climate legislation, championing environmental justice, restoring ecosystems, mobilizing activists on renewable energy, fighting for clear air and water, and more. Our network funds these leaders and their visions in the following ways:
Catalyst Award
The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award, launched in 2019, celebrates women of color who are building a healthier, safer, and more just world. Each year, the award provides women environmental leaders of color with a $10,000 prize, networking opportunities, and public recognition.
Collective Funding
Since 2000, our network has collectively granted over $2.5 million to organizations working on environmental issues and women’s leadership. We also provide selective place-based grants to organizations located where our events our held.
Grantee-Partners by Year
News about Recent Co-Funding
New Report Examines Burnout in the Environmental Sector
What can we do to support the leaders of the environmental movement who are so vital to its success? That’s a question posed in a new report on climate burnout from Climate Critical, founded by Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award Finalist Tamara Toles O’Laughlin. In the report, Tamara brought together diverse staff from 108 environmental organizations to share their experiences and recommendations.
Announcing the Recipients of the 2022 Catalyst Award
Rachel’s Network announced the awardees and finalists of its 2022 Catalyst Award. The award honors women leaders of color for their commitment to a healthy planet, and provides them with financial support, wraparound leadership services, and public recognition.
Announcing the Recipients of the Third Annual Catalyst Award
Rachel’s Network announced the awardees and finalists of its third annual Catalyst Award. The award honors women leaders of color for their commitment to a healthy planet, and provides them with a cash prize, networking opportunities, and recognition for their work. Now in its third year, the Catalyst Award has supported over 75 women.
Supporting the Frontline Communities Fighting Line 3 in Minnesota
Native organizers in Minnesota are leading on-the-ground resistance to urge President Biden to revoke permits and halt construction, provide legal support to water protectors, and communicate the threat posed by Line 3. Rachel’s Network provided a grant through the Equation Campaign to support the coalition.
Rachel’s Network Supports Community Food Hub in Richmond, CA
Six years ago, Urban Tilth took a neglected three-acre plot of land in North Richmond and turned it into a flourishing community farm. Now, they are working to purchase land they’ve been leasing and expand programing and infrastructure. Rachel’s Network provided a grant to Urban Tilth to help make this vision a reality.
Announcing the Winners of the 2020 Catalyst Award
Rachel’s Network today announced the awardees and finalists of its second annual Catalyst Award. The award provides women leaders of color support and recognition for their commitment to a healthy planet, along with a $10,000 prize, networking opportunities, and national recognition for their work.
You can read about our past grantmaking on our blog and annual reports. For more information about our grantmaking, email Network Engagement Director Ariana Carella. Please note: we do not accept unsolicited proposals. To support Rachel’s Network, please consider joining as a member or contributing a general operating support grant.