Grassroots leaders often face similar challenges: doing vital work in isolation, with limited resources and few opportunities to connect. The Grassroot Fund’s cohort model directly addresses this by pairing intentional community with flexible funding. Instead of competing for scarce resources, leaders learn alongside each other and build a trusted network of support.
At the Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW)—a Boston-based membership organization dedicated to Asian American community power and justice—staff members like Salima and Nicole focus on issues at the intersection of immigrant rights, housing justice, and climate resilience. The Boston Climate Shared Gifting Cohort provided a rare opportunity to connect their day-to-day work with broader movements for justice. Cohort members distribute resources amongst their organizations using a participatory model of decision-making. Nicole Eigbrett shared that, “The shared gifting was a thoughtful process in participatory democracy… We made sure everyone walked away with something, even if it wasn’t their original position or need.”
For Nicole, the most profound impact was solidarity: “More than anything, I just feel a lot of respect and admiration for the other orgs… It’s been so wonderful to feel that reciprocal support at a deeper level”.
Beyond the distribution of funds, Cohort members have the chance to witness each other’s work on the ground. “A lot of people tend to work in their own silos… but within this cohort, I got to learn more about what other organizations are doing.” Salima shared that neighborhood tours and visits to gardens including community dinners gave her new tools and inspiration for AARW’s community programs.
New connections have already led to collaborations across housing and immigrant defense in the Greater Boston Area: proof that when organizations grow together, their impact multiplies. As Nicole reflected, “The general operating support was really helpful, but it’s the networking and shared learning that feels extremely valuable”.
This is the power of the cohort model, convening leaders to create lasting supportive networks for justice.
