Wayfinder Foundation

Our strategy is radically simple: Invest in women. Change the world.

Launched in the spring of 2017, the Wayfinder Foundation seeks to amplify the voices and organizing work of experienced Black and Brown women activists and organizers in the fight to end systemic inequities in the public education system and the criminal justice system around the country. Our grantmaking philosophy is simple:  invest in women who are working to build their communities through activism and organizing, and we change the course of life for under-resourced children, families, communities, cities and ultimately the nation. We seek to build a national network of powerful and effective Black and Brown women organizers who are disrupting the power structures and changing their communities for good.  

We Invest in People Who Make a Difference

The Wayfinder Foundation seeks to build a cadre of community leaders who demonstrate a passion for social justice, racial justice, and challenging systems of oppression.  Our goal is to provide support to frontline activists and organizers in the fields of public education and criminal justice and who are making an impact. We look for those leaders who would not traditionally be on philanthropy’s radar, those who often show up for and organize direct actions and outreach events; but are usually the person not receiving a paycheck. 

We Provide Technical Support and Infrastructure

Our fellowship program provides financial support, technical support, and media training, and other supports and resources to help activists establish and achieve their goals of challenging and transforming systems and communities. We provide the process and guidance for developing our fellows’ capacity to enhance communication, activism, leadership, and community organizing skills. 

We Launch, Amplify, and Connect Our Grantees 

Wayfinder seeks to build a national network of Black and Brown women activists and organizers who make significant impacts on behalf of communities of color and win battles for justice. Wayfinder Fellows will have local, regional, and national influence in creating and advancing racial justice in public education and the criminal justice system.