GPA’s Racial Justice Work Recognized by New England International Donors

GPA has been selected as a recipient for the 2021 Global Racial Justice Giving Grant by New England International Donors (NEID), a peer-to-peer learning network of philanthropists and grantmakers learning how to help fund lasting solutions to global problems.

GPA has been awarded a $10,000 one-time grant due to its work serving populations that have long faced discrimination that impacts their health and lives, in a manner that establishes genuine partnerships and solidarity with these racialized communities. NEID recognized GPA’s model of working with traditional Mayan midwives as an exceptional approach to combatting the structural racism these key health workers and the families they care for experience.

"The focus of NEID’s Giving Circle on the Role of Philanthropy in advancing racial justice was to support work in communities that are promoting racial equity through approach, values, and programmatic objectives," commented Dana François, co-chair of NEID’s Global Philanthropy:Lever for Racial Justice Giving Circle and Haiti & Interim Mexico Program Officer at W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “GPA’s work embodies this approach in advancing racial justice in healthcare, particularly in supporting the Nich Ixim Midwife Movement (of Chiapas) and its leaders.”

The organization’s focus to help strengthen the regional midwife movement of Chiapas gives Mayan midwives a platform to advocate for their official recognition in the continuum of care for maternal health, and the establishment of culturally respectful, anti-racist policies that can significantly impact maternal and child health in their communities.

“We are tremendously honored to receive this award from NEID,” stated Stacey Ramirez, executive director of GPA. “It is a testament to our team in the field and the tireless efforts of the communities we collaborate with who every day work towards a world where all women and children, regardless of their race, education level or economic situation, have equal access to essential healthcare services.”