Executive Council Awards Grants in Response to Race and Poverty Crisis
Diocesan Press Service. September 27, 1968 [69-13]
GREENWICH, CONN. -- Seven new grants totaling $193,800 were approved by the Screening and Review Committee on September 9, 1968, and certified by the Executive Council at its September meeting under the Episcopal Church's General Convention Special Program to respond to the race and poverty crisis in American life.
In addition emergency grants, totaling $14,700, have been approved by authority of the Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. John E. Hines, the Council was told. Such grants are made when the time lapse between Executive Council meetings would seriously endanger the success of a particular funded program.
The Special Program is now providing assistance to white, black, Puerto Rican, American Indian, Mexican and Costa Rican organizations in their efforts to combat poverty and racism in America. Such organizations, run by indigenous leadership, are developing political and economic power to improve their living conditions.
Two hundred thousand dollars have already been remitted to IFCO from the Episcopal Church, with the understanding that the remainder of the funds would be remitted after IFCO received matching funds for the first $200,000, or $600,000. In the report to the Executive Council, it was stated that IFCO has received only $300,000. The Screening and Review Committee, therefore, recommended that the remaining $500,000 set aside for IFCO be released for allocation to other projects, but that this action not prejudice future funding consideration for IFCO during 1969. The Council concurred in the recommendation.
Approved grants recommended by the Screening and Review Committee for certification by the Executive Council were as follows.
Action Now, Inc., San Mateo, Calif., $35,000. Entirely black controlled, Action Now is currently in the process of organizing their community for political power, economic development, improvement of transportation facilities and the publishing of housing and consumer information.
Southern Media, Jackson, Miss., $24,000. Southern Media Plans to use low- budget films, made by blacks, for blacks and about blacks, to help create a new self- image for oppressed people and to assist in training local groups for community organization.
The Cano Corporation, San Juan, Puerto Rico, $25,000. The Cano Corporation is a coalition designed to create an active community voice in the Model Cities program and to work in the areas of education, health and employment.
Afro AM Alliance, Philadelphia, Pa., $14,000. The Alliance, composed of some 300 teenagers and young adults, conducts a small renovating and remodeling cooperative business. The Special Program grant is for program. The Diocese of Pennsylvania has given financial assistance toward the acquisition of three condemned buildings for remodeling and for use as a community center and business cooperative.
Bainbridge Cooperative Ministry, Richmond, Virginia, and Appalachia Project, Roanoke, Va., $1500. Both projects are currently developing a solid community organization. The Special Program grant is to hire a specialist to work with both groups, coordinating their programs and developing a proposal for possible future funding.
Avondale Community Council, Inc., Cincinnati, O., $42,000. The Council represents a coalition of more than 50 clubs, tenant councils and neighborhood associations. It has successfully mobilized thousands of black residents to act on educational, housing and welfare issues.
Southern Organization for Unified Leadership (SOUL), New Orleans, La., $15,000. SOUL is a social-political organization made up of young people now planning for political, educational and self-help programs in the 9th ward of New Orleans.
White Eagle Community Development, White Eagle, Okla., $20,000. The grant is to assist in the organization of the Ponca Tribe to gain control over educational facilities.
Tribal Industries, Inc., Reno, Nev., $800. The grant is for administrative expenses for a project seeking to develop small businesses, such as motels, restaurants, gas stations, laundromats, grocery stores and other enterprises for the benefit of Nevada Indians.
Council of Black Clergy, Philadelphia, Penna., $15,000. All denominations are represented in the Council, although the clergy members are all black. The Council seeks to support the aspirations and hopes of the black community of Philadelphia across a wide range of interests and activities covering culture, community organization, economic welfare, politics, municipal services, police relations and the Church.