Running Waters Equity Fund (RWEF) announced that they have received a $75,000 award from the Group Health Foundation.
Based in Walla Walla but serving the Blue Mountain region, RWEF was established last year by a diverse group of citizens to address the issues of systemic inequities that impact racialized groups and traditionally marginalized communities. These inequities were amplified during the pandemic.
RWEF will provide grant funding to support organizations that provide culturally-relevant programs, services and activities in the region, are aimed at lessening inequities in or for communities of color, and are run by a board or leadership team that is reflective of and accountable to communities of color.
“We are ecstatic to receive both the funding and the support of the Group Health Foundation,” said Rodney Outlaw, co-chair of the RWEF Board. “As a new organization, this show of confidence helps RWEF establish itself in the region.”
Group Health Foundation’s mission is to create health equity in Washington and is committed to working with partners across the state to co-create solutions that foster conditions in which people of all communities can prosper.
Margarita Banderas, also co-chair of the RWEF Board, commented, “This funding helps create the foundation we need to begin our work. The Board is grateful to receive this acknowledgement and we look forward to awarding our first round of grant funding.”
RWEF held its first fundraiser at the end of 2021 through the Valley Giving Guide. Over $6000 was raised through that effort. RWEF then received a generous $50,000 grant from the Walla Walla Valley Covid-19 Response Fund held at Blue Mountain Community Foundation.
To learn more about RWEF, visit RWEquityFund.org. Donations can be made through Blue Mountain Community Foundation, bluemountainfoundation.org.
