Reflecting on the Community Action Team: Community Leadership in Action
Meaningful community change does not happen by accident. It requires thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to ensuring that voices close to community needs can help shape decisions. For the Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund (BJF) and Justice Fund grant programs, that work begins long before grants are awarded.
Since 2021, the Community Action Team (CAT) has been an integral part of the BJF grantmaking process. Last year, when we launched the Justice Fund, the CAT became instrumental to this grant program, too. The CAT ensures that community voice, local expertise, and lived experience remain at the center of our funding decisions. Each year, these dedicated volunteers bring their knowledge, perspectives, and commitment to strengthening our community, helping guide a process designed to support organizations build community power.
The work for this year’s grant cycle began in Fall 2025 with a new recruitment phase. We sought community members who represented a range of sectors and experiences while sharing a common commitment to collaboration, equity, and community impact. The resulting Community Action Team included leaders from the nonprofit, corporate, philanthropic, faith, and local government sectors, each contributing valuable insight and perspective throughout the process.
From there, CAT members helped launch the Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund and Justice Fund grant programs, serving as ambassadors for the opportunity through social media, personal outreach, and participation in our annual Network & Nurture convening. Their efforts helped connect organizations to funding opportunities while fostering greater awareness of the grant programs.
As applications advanced through our Letter of Intent process, CAT members carefully reviewed invited proposals, bringing thoughtful consideration to each application. They examined organizational strengths, community impact, and alignment with program goals of power-building, leadership development, and positive storytelling, while drawing upon their own experiences and understanding of local needs.
The final phase centered on collective discussion and recommendation. The CAT engaged in thoughtful dialogue, weighing opportunities and challenges, sharing diverse viewpoints, and ultimately developing a slate of awards. Through this collaborative process, community insight helped inform and strengthen funding decisions.
Learn more about the 2026 slate of awards.
What continues to inspire us, year after year, is the dedication these leaders bring to the work. Community Action Team members invest time and energy into understanding applications, engaging in deep discussions, and ensuring that community remains at the forefront of decision making. Their willingness to wrestle with both the opportunities and complexities of grantmaking reflects a profound commitment to the well-being of our community.
The Community Action Team exists because we believe philanthropy is strongest when it is informed by the people who know our communities. By engaging local leaders in the grantmaking process, we not only benefit from their expertise, but also create opportunities for greater understanding of what thoughtful, community-centered philanthropy is. Their partnership helps keep our work grounded and accountable.
We are deeply grateful to the 2026 Community Action Team for their leadership, generosity, and service Their contributions strengthened every stage of this year’s Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund and Justice Fund and reminded us that lasting impact is built through trust and a shared commitment to community.
2026 Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund & Justice Fund Community Action Team Members:
- Vibha Agrawal, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce
- Jojo Dalwadi, Montgomery County
- Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Montgomery County
- JLy, Independent Blue Cross Foundation
- Morgan Selkirk, Office of PA Representative Benjamin Sanchez
- Brandon Stiff, MERCK
- Pastor Michael Stitt, Saints Memorial Baptist Church
- Sherry Wherry, Bucks-Mont Collaborative
- Justin Williams, Lakeside Global Institute