The Greater Richmond Interfaith Program has been awarded a two-year grant in the amount of $200,000 from the San Francisco Foundation or SFF, a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving life across the Bay Area.
“The San Francisco Foundation has been a strong partner of GRIPs for years,” GRIP Interim Executive Director Jim Rettew said. “They are truly committed to advancing racial equity and economic inclusion to ensure that everyone in the Bay Area has a chance to get a good job, live in a safe and affordable home, and have a strong political voice. We welcome not only their funding but their counsel as SFF acts as a trusted advisor and partner.”
The updated grant continues their existing funding, but this year, SFF is awarding the money six months earlier to align GRIP’s grant with the cycle of other grantees.
GRIP’s service to people experiencing housing and food insecurity requires significant funding to purchase food, pay for our building and maintenance, fund staff salaries, pay for ongoing training, pay for insurance, utilities, etc., and grants such as this one are key to continuing that mission. SFF has been a long-term funder of GRIP, offering mini grants throughout the year, which will total $200,000 over the course of the term. .
“We look forward to continuing our journey of collaboration and partnership,” Rettew said of the continuing support.
PHOTO: In the above image, volunteers and staff serve Thanksgiving meals on November 25th, 2021.
ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO FOUNDATION
Founded in 1948, the San Francisco Foundation is one of the nation’s largest community foundations — a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving life within a specific local region. Their mission is to mobilize resources and act as a catalyst for change to build strong communities, foster civic leadership, and promote philanthropy in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Together with community leaders, nonprofits, and donors, the San Francisco Foundation is committed to advancing racial equity and economic inclusion to ensure that everyone in the Bay Area has a chance to get a good job, live in a safe and affordable home, and have a strong political voice.
ABOUT GRIP
GRIP is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic coalition of congregations from varied faiths working together as a diverse and inclusive coalition dedicated to helping those of our community in need to transition to self-sufficiency. Our mission statement: “Responding to the Call to Service, GRIP transforms the lives of homeless, hungry and disenfranchised people.”
Over the years, GRIP, in keeping with its mission has evolved from a small community food pantry to a multiservice agency, which serves 15,000 homeless, hungry, and low-income consumers annually.
GRIP is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors drawn from member congregations, the business community and public-sector agencies.
GRIP’s staff consists of a dedicated group of individuals who have a unique ability to establish rapport with consumers. As a result, GRIP has earned the reputation as a trusted housing and service provider with a proven track record for making inroads with individuals who have histories of chronic homelessness. GRIP, equally, is noted for being fiscally responsible and transparent in accounting practices and reporting. GRIP maintains lines of open communication with its donors, funders, and community supporters.
