NJBEC Joins List of Ten Racial Justice Organizations to Receive Funding

[October 30, 2023 – New Jersey] Last week, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, whose vision is to imagine a just and equitable New Jersey where people of all races and communities have equitable access to opportunities to thrive, announced its first-ever “Open Call” to support racial justice organizations across the Garden State. With over 120 organizations applying for funding, only ten organizations were chosen to receive part of the $500,000 grant, with the New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition (NJBEC) selected for a $25,000. To learn more about the Dodge Foundation grant, please click HERE.

The following is a statement from Tomas Varela Jr., Executive Director of NJBEC:

“As a newly created statewide grassroots organization, receiving the Dodge Foundation grant is a tremendous step in introducing NJBEC’s mission, passion, and work to a wider variety of audiences across the state.  We sincerely thank the Foundation for their trust in achieving marketable results in New Jersey and specifically for their ongoing commitment to promoting equity, community, and justice throughout the state.

“NJBEC passionately maintains that far more must be done to ensure communities of color are involved in the state’s political process. While the right to vote in New Jersey is not in question like it is in so many other states across the country, we still have much more work to accomplish. All communities in New Jersey must be empowered to take an active role in developing needed policies and solutions, galvanizing greater civic participation, and ensuring that inclusive democracy serves as the fabric of the state.

“During our first year of operations, NJBEC has clearly made a strong impact. Our educational programs and forums have brought needed impact throughout the Garden State and will provide a valuable base for further development and activation.  The funds received from the Dodge Foundation will be instrumental in supporting our initiatives in the years to come.”

This week, NJBEC’s independent c4 entity, New Jersey Black Empowerment Action Network, will partner with TAPinto to hold a series of digital town hall forums entitled “Election ’23 – Your Voice Matters: Advocating Needed Policies for Every Member of Our Community” for the communities of East Orange and Orange, Plainfield, and Piscataway.

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