The National Alliance of Melanin Disabled Advocates (NAMED Advocates) is proud to announce the receipt of a $50,000 grant from Borealis Philanthropy in continued support of the organization’s mission to advance racial and disability justice nationwide.
This award represents a continued investment in NAMED Advocates’ work and leadership. Borealis Philanthropy first supported NAMED Advocates in 2021, helping strengthen the organization’s capacity to create transformative spaces, amplify the voices of disabled leaders of color, and build cross-movement power rooted in equity and justice.
Since its founding, NAMED Advocates has remained committed to centering the lived experiences and leadership of Black and brown disabled communities through advocacy, storytelling, education, and movement-building initiatives that challenge systemic inequities and create pathways for collective liberation.
“This continued support from Borealis Philanthropy reflects the importance and urgency of disability justice work led by and for communities of color,” said Keri Gray, Founder and Executive Director of NAMED Advocates. “Receiving this grant again, after our initial partnership in 2020, is deeply meaningful. It allows us to continue building spaces where disabled leaders of color are not only included, but empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive.”
Funding from this grant will support NAMED Advocates’ ongoing programming, organizational growth, community engagement initiatives, and future strategic efforts focused on racial equity, disability justice, leadership development, and systems change.
Over the years, NAMED Advocates has led impactful initiatives and community-centered actions including:
This latest investment comes during a significant period of growth for NAMED Advocates following its transition to official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, positioning the organization to deepen partnerships, expand programming, and increase national impact.
NAMED Advocates extends sincere gratitude to Borealis Philanthropy for its continued partnership and belief in the organization’s mission and community-centered work.
About Borealis Philanthropy
Borealis Philanthropy is a social justice philanthropic intermediary that works to resource grassroots movements and communities advancing racial equity, gender justice, disability justice, and transformative systems change. Through collaborative funding strategies, donor organizing, and community partnerships, Borealis Philanthropy supports organizations and leaders building a more just, inclusive, and equitable future.
The organization’s Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) specifically invests in disability-led and disability-centered organizations working to advance disability rights, accessibility, and cross-movement disability justice leadership across communities.
Media Contact:
Mary Fashik
Marketing & Partnerships Coordinator
mfashik@namedadvocates.org
