News
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.
Member Q&A: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Nonprofit Board
Diverse groups are more effective yet only 22 percent of nonprofit board members are people of color. The situation is even worse for environmental nonprofits. Members Marcia Angle, Sam Boren, and Kim Milligan have all worked to ensure their nonprofits better reflect the communities they serve. In this Q&A, they share their experiences and advice for other board members.
How a Small Nonprofit Switched to a More Sustainable Retirement Plan
In the US alone, about $30 trillion is sitting in retirement accounts. There’s no excuse for employers not to offer more sustainable funds—they’re plentiful, they perform well, and they improve employee engagement. Here’s how Rachel’s Network did it.
Rachel’s Network Statement on Supreme Court Abortion Ruling
This morning, the Supreme Court issued its decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case which has struck down 50 years of abortion rights enshrined in Roe v. Wade. In 26 states — affecting 36 million women — abortion services will be restricted, banned, and in some cases even criminalized. The ruling is an appalling blow to human rights and reproductive justice.
2021 Annual Report
When the problems of our world are so multi-faceted and the system so entrenched, where is the best place to put our time and resources? A recent piece in Stanford Social Innovation Review, “The Relational Work of Systems Change,” suggests an answer: it’s the connections between people and institutions that are capable of changing systems, not the parts in isolation. As a network that connects women changemakers, we strive to embody this lesson. Read our annual report and learn about the projects we supported in 2021.
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.