Investing in Community Power: Latest Rapid Response Fund Grants
We are proud to announce recent grant awards through our Rapid Response Fund for Community Power (RRF), a dedicated resource that provides fast, flexible funding support to Montgomery County organizations responding to critical, urgent challenges. The RRF aims to strengthen the voice and power of community members, ensuring that nonprofit organizations have resources that further racial and social justice goals.
Back in May, we were thrilled to award grants to Montco Anti-Hunger Network and The Partnership TMA. Though we’re a bit late in sharing these awards, we’re honored to support these organizations.
Most recently, since the start of our fiscal year on July 1, we awarded three RRF grants to Woori Center, Montco 30% Project, and Centro de Cultura, Arte, Trabajo y Educación (CCATE).
To find out more about these grant awards and their important work, keep reading:
Montco Anti-Hunger Network – “Protecting Access to Emergency Food for Immigrant Communities”
Montco Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN) provided leadership training in June to help food pantry leaders create welcoming, safe environments for immigrant guests. Open to their entire membership network, the training focused on addressing urgent concerns rising from recent federal policy actions that are targeting individuals without residency documentation. MAHN’s primary goal for the training was to empower pantry leaders to respond effectively to these and other challenges that may impact access to emergency food for immigrant guests.
The Partnership TMA of Montgomery County – “Addressing the SEPTA Funding Crisis”
SEPTA is facing a critical funding crisis that must be addressed in the upcoming state budget. Without additional support, service cuts and fare increases are planned -changes that would affect thousands of Montgomery County residents who rely on transit for work, medical care, and access to food. As a member of SEPTA’s Advocacy Forum, The Partnership TMA of Montgomery County (TMA) is being called to help elevate rider voices by connecting with community members and encouraging them to speak up. With RRF support, TMA will distribute multilingual SEPTA materials with clear calls to action and equip local municipalities to share this information both online and in person with their residents.
Woori Center – “Building Community Power – Immigrant Defense”
Woori Center is implementing a four-step local rapid response to support the immigrant communities in Montgomery County. Their plan includes operating a 24/7 emergency hotline in both Korean and English to support individuals in urgent situations and connect them with necessary services; providing Know Your Rights training for small business owners and community members to ensure they are prepared for unexpected challenges; advocating against harmful policies at the local and state levels by organizing peaceful protests and meeting with legislators to protect the privacy and rights of vulnerable community members; and strengthening cybersecurity measures.
Centro de Cultura, Arte, Trabajo y Educación (CCATE)- CCATE’s Relief Initiative for Families Affected by Detention
In late July, CCATE met with six families of workers recently detained in West Norriton by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Through direct dialogue with the impacted families of detained individuals, CCATE learned of their immediate and ongoing needs for legal and financial support. In response, the CCATE initiated action to provide resources and support grounded in ensuring their security, wellness, and healing. Grant funds will be used to cover legal fees and provide basic needs identified in collaboration with the families.
Montco 30% Project - Canvassing for Upcoming Housing Projects
We’re happy to announce our continued support for Montco 30% Project, building on the success of their spring 2025 canvassing campaign in Norristown, where they rallied critical support for an emergency shelter under review by the zoning board. This effort was made possible by an earlier grant from our Rapid Response Fund for Community Power. In recognition of the significant impact they are making, we’re proud to increase our typical funding award to $8,500 – above the usual $5,000 limit for this fund. This increase also reflects our deepening relationship with Montco 30% Project and our trust in their ability to drive change. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing the lack of affordable housing and homelessness crises in Montgomery County, we’re proud to support Montco 30% Project as they continue their important work. In fall 2025, the organization will expand its canvassing and educational outreach to build support for attainable, dignified housing in communities across the County.
We’re thankful for the chance to support these organizations during such a pivotal time. To learn more about some of the recent steps we’ve taken, read our recent announcement on “Stepping Forward with Courage: Increasing Our Grantmaking to Meet Rising Needs.”