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The Good People Fund

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Food Forward

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“It felt like kismet.”

The early GPF funding was a vote of confidence that helped us continue to believe in what we were doing, even though there was no real professionalized gleaning organization out there at the time. As we continued our work, more funders became attracted to us and our profile and impact continued to grow and it snowballed from there.

I/we hold a great deal of pride being part of the early GPF cohort. We know the care and evaluation that goes into the selection process of each grantee, and how we are interconnected as a cohort of organizations simply doing good.

Food Forward speaks of our work as “sharing abundance,” but also as a “virtuous circle.” GPF’s ongoing mission of nurturing small but mighty non-profits is a perfect example of both of those vital and important things coming together.

 — Rick Nahmias, Founder/CEO, Courageous Parents Network

Selah Brooklyn

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For people who struggle with addiction a community of support is essential for recovery. In and around Brooklyn, New York, Selah offers community and support with a Jewish lens. Founder, Arielle Krule has years of experience as a therapist, a community organizer and now, a rabbinical student. Personal experiences guided her and two other addiction specialists to create Selah which offers several different types of programs.

Our matching funds are directed to administrative expenses to help Selah meet the growing demand for their program.

Rekindle

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Charmaine Rice, a Black woman trained in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices, and Matt Fieldman, a White Jewish social entrepreneur and nonprofit professional, created Rekindle to bridge the ever-widening gap growing between two communities that at one time worked side-by-side to effect social justice and equity. Rekindle engages young leaders from both communities in frank and intense conversations and shared social action efforts to build greater understanding and mutual respect. First started in Cleveland, Rekindle has expanded to other communities throughout the country.

Our matching grant which was partially met by donations from participants themselves, is directed to general operations.

STREETSCAPE

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Jen Livovich has a deep personal connection to homelessness. An abusive marriage and alcoholism left her with very little until she found herself homeless on the streets of Boulder, Colorado, a city better known for its affluence and high cost of living.  Homeless shelters and sleeping on the streets became the norm, with countless unsuccessful efforts to break out of this endless cycle. It was only after getting frostbite on her left foot, that a Court Navigator successfully connected Jen to a sober-supported transitional housing program, where she received treatment and enrolled at Colorado State University.

When Jen returned to Boulder, her first initiative was “Save-a-Toe,” supplying warm socks to homeless people. Her new organization, with the help of other formerly homeless individuals, is dedicated to effective solutions to end homelessness in Boulder.

Our funds purchased necessary items like sleeping bags, backpacks and household items for individuals transitioning to housing.

Civic Spirit

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As the political climate in America took a sharp turn in 2016, Rabbi Robert Hirt, Virginia Bayar and Dr. Tamara Tweel brought a group of concerned citizens together to try to address this alarming development. The result – Civic Spirit – an organization dedicated to teaching civic responsibility and precepts in faith-based schools across the country. Civic Spirit is now led by Rabbi Charlie Savenor who has long worked in education and leadership development programs.

Our grant was directed to the expansion of the student leadership program.

Brit Ha’Leviot

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When Leora’s daughter Nili was 15, she shared that she felt uncomfortable in her body. For two years, Nili’s mental health deteriorated, until she met with a therapist who helped her through her gender transition.

What do parents do in that kind of situation? Seeking support, Leora came upon the work of Brit Ha’Leviot.  “At first it was rough. I cried about…how bad things are…. But “the alliance of lionesses encouraged me … I found people who understood what I was going through,” Leora says.

In 2016, Merav Livni Keish joined with three other mothers of trans kids to address these new challenges. Their mutual support evolved into Brit Ha’Leviot, an organization now dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of trans and gender diverse children, supporting their families, transforming institutions and educating Israeli society at large.

Our matching funds are directed to administrative expenses.