Union Benevolent Association Awards Over Half a Million in Grants to Strengthen Southwest Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA – The Union Benevolent Association (UBA) is pleased to announce the awarding of over half a million dollars in grants to Southwest Philadelphia nonprofits. This significant investment aligns with UBA’s new community-place-based strategy, which aims to strengthen local communities through targeted support.
Through this initiative, UBA has awarded three-year, $180,000 general operating grants to the following organizations:
The Common Place: A community hub dedicated to holistically supporting children and their families in Southwest Philadelphia through educational programs and “food sovereignty,” empowering the community with access to fresh, healthy, and sustainably grown food.
Coalition of African and Caribbean Communities (AFRICOM): An advocacy organization supporting African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees to feel a sense of empowerment, belonging, and self-sufficiency.
African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA): A nonprofit that helps refugees, immigrant families and all other residents of Philadelphia access legal, health and other social services, working to ensure quality of life, cultural preservation, advocacy and equity for everyone.
Additionally, UBA has awarded annual direct service grants of $50,000 to the following organizations:
African Family Health Organization (AFAHO): A community-based organization that
provides health, human and educational services to African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees (ACIR).
Lift Every Voice Philly: A community organization committed to empowering parents to
transform Philadelphia schools by advancing racial, economic, and educational justice.
Southwest CDC: A community development organization revitalizing Southwest Philadelphia through economic development, affordable housing, and community engagement.
“We are excited to support these organizations and their vital work in Southwest Philadelphia,” said Monique Curry-Mims, Executive Director at UBA. “By investing in a place-based strategy, we are investing in the sustainability of the change these organizations are hoping to make in this community.”
UBA remains committed to its core mission of supporting vulnerable populations in Philadelphia. The success of this initial community focus will inform future place-based strategies guided by the following principles:
Improving Quality of Life: UBA supports initiatives that demonstrably improve the lives of individuals and families.
Community Leadership: UBA prioritizes organizations led by and accountable to the communities they serve.
Advocacy: UBA supports organizations that go beyond direct services through advocacy and community mobilization.
About the Union Benevolent Association
The Union Benevolent Association (UBA) is a private foundation dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged Philadelphians. Since 1831, UBA has provided critical funding and support to organizations addressing basic needs, fostering self-sufficiency, and empowering communities.
