News
Recent Supreme Court Decisions Harm Public Health
Last week, the Supreme Court issued three decisions that have profoundly damaged our country’s ability to address pollution and climate change. We in the nonprofit sector must do all we can to shore up vulnerable communities in the face of these attacks.
Rachel’s Network Responds to Fearless Fund Case
A lawsuit is targeting the Fearless Fund Foundation, a venture-capital fund that offers $20,000 grants to Black women business leaders. Plaintiffs intend to instill fear in those working for equity. Rachel’s Network remains firm in its commitment to women of color environmental leaders through the Catalyst Award program.
2023 Annual Report
Rachel’s Network is a community of women working together to protect people and planet through collective learning, funding, and advocacy. Our funder members are engaged in supporting grassroots organizations led by women across many issues from toxics and regenerative agriculture to conservation and climate change. And in 2023, we did more than ever before. Read our 2023 annual report to learn more.
Speaking Out for “Cancer Alley”
In April, members Tacy Hahn and Kim Milligan joined an Earthjustice-organized trip to Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley”—an 85-mile corridor along the Mississippi River known for its heavy industry and high cancer rates. The trip introduced funders to the vast scale of petrochemical operations in the region and the grassroots leaders fighting for their communities. Tacy spoke with Rachel’s Network about her experience on the trip.
Announcing the Recipients of the 2023 Catalyst Award
Rachel’s Network announced the awardees and finalists of its 2023 Catalyst Award. The award honors women leaders of color for their commitment to a healthy planet, and provides them with financial support, leadership services, and public recognition.
New Funding Supports Black Women’s Wellbeing and Leadership in the Environmental Movement
Working in the environmental movement isn’t easy—the stakes are high, the challenges vast, and the wins often few and far between. But for Black women in particular, the task is even greater. Rachel’s Network recently provided grants to four burgeoning organizations led by and for Black women in the environmental movement to support advocates’ wellbeing.
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.
2022 Annual Report
Rachel’s Network believes that philanthropy should support not just organizations, but the well-being of leaders who run those organizations. Our funder members support this work not just through the Catalyst Award, but also their individual funding. Read our 2022 annual report and learn about the projects we supported this year.
Heather McTeer Toney: The Long Struggle for Justice
Climate activist and Rachel’s Network Catalyst Awardee Heather McTeer Toney insists that those most affected by climate change are best suited to lead the movement. In her forthcoming book “Before the Streetlights Come On,” and in this excerpt from the book, she talks about how environmental action and racial justice must be deeply intertwined to build a better future.
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.