WMG SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND AIDS 15 ORGS

The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund will dole out $9.35m to 15 organizations in its third distribution of grants.

The slate focuses on the fund’s three strategic pillars—criminal justice reform, education and arts and culture—while also addressing the intersection of race and gender inequity and the rising prominence of youth organizing in racial-justice movements.

“Structural racism constricts the breath, voice and freedom of Black communities, particularly as it intersects with other forms of inequity,” said Lorelei Williams, Executive Director of the WMG/BFF SJF. “With this docket, we were intentional about funding at those crossroads—where racism, poverty, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia collide with devastating impact. We also want to create opportunities for youth empowerment, planting seeds for future generations to thrive.”

Nearly 70% of the selected organizations are women-led and a third of all grants address gender-equity issues, from creating opportunities for women in the music industry to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline for girls of color and uplifting the voices of gender-expansive adolescents.

Music-industry organizations like Diversify the Stage, which provides career opportunities in music and live entertainment to underrepresented communities, and Gender Amplified will be among the first to receive support.

The WMG/BFF SJF also accorded heightened attention to organizations aiding African Diaspora communities around the world, supporting those focused on immigrant populations in the U.S. and entities making first grants in Brazil, Nigeria and Colombia.

The Grant Recipients

Criminal Justice

• A New Way of Life
• Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)
• Bard Prison Initiative
• Borealis Philanthropy
• Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI)
• Brazil Human Rights Fund
• Grantmakers for Girls of Color (G4GC)

Arts & Culture

• ARRAY Alliance
• Highlander Center
• Manos Visibles

Education

• Diversify the Stage
• Gender Amplified
• Hidden Genius Project
• West African Vocational Education (WAVE)

Multi-Pillar

• BOLD (Black Organizing for Leadership & Dignity)