Half a Century of Community Empowerment
You don't see organizations sticking to their guns for fifty years without having something real to offer. Liberty Hill Foundation is celebrating this colossal milestone in style by throwing their weight behind 17 grassroots groups under the 2026 Fund for Change. They're not just tossing money around but are genuinely becoming the wind under the wings of these burgeoning organizations that are firmly rooted in the diverse tapestry of Los Angeles County.
The Community Funding Board Effect
Liberty Hill has got something going with this Community Funding Board (CFB). It's a refreshing participatory grantmaking model, roping in folks with actual skin in the game—movement leaders, donors, and philanthropic partners. They put their heads together to decide how funds should flow. It ain't rocket science, but it's amazing how rare it is to see decisions made by the people who actually know the score.
"What sets Fund for Change apart is not only the funding itself, but the collective wisdom behind it." - Shane Murphy Goldsmith
The Agenda for a Just Future
Liberty Hill's 2026 cohort isn't just a hodgepodge of do-gooders. They're laser-focused on key issues that resonate deeply with the foundation's Agenda for a Just Future. We're talking transformative justice, tenant rights, bringing down youth incarceration, and all that jazz. These aren't just paper goals—they've got groups on the ground making real strides across the county.
The Breadth and Depth of Local Leadership
Allison Thomas from the Community Funding Board hit the nail on the head. You can't help but feel fired up after seeing the passion and commitment these folks bring to the table. They're not detached suits; they're embedded in their communities, battling for better futures where they're needed most, from the Antelope Valley to unincorporated South LA and beyond.
Investing in People, Not Just Projects
$1.9 million over three years—that's the financial lifeblood Liberty Hill is injecting into these organizations. But it's more than dollars and cents; it's about recognizing and elevating the leadership percolating in every corner of Los Angeles. This cohort is not just the future of LA—they're a living testament to the power of locality, knowledge, and unyielding dedication. They're in it to win it, and Liberty Hill is banking on their success.
"Through Fund for Change... Liberty Hill honors that wisdom, centers people closest to the work in accountable decision-making, and moves resources toward the grassroots leadership our region so deeply needs." - Manal J. Aboelata
The Road Ahead
Liberty Hill's looking to the horizon, already dreaming up how the next five decades could unfold. Their mission is to build a more just, inclusive Los Angeles alongside those often pushed to the margins. If the past fifty years are any indication, LA's future is in for something transformative. It's high time these grassroots heroes get their due. In the grand theater of social change, Liberty Hill’s role is pivotal, ushering in a new era of equality and empowerment.
