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VISION
We envision a socially just and environmentally sustainable society in which all people are able to gain the knowledge and build the power they need to exercise their rights and participate fully in the economic, social and political decisions that affect their lives and communities.
MISSION
The Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation supports grassroots organizations and movements in the United States working to change environmental, social, economic and political conditions to bring about a more just, equitable and sustainable world.
VALUES
The Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation is a diverse and inclusive organization working for a more equitable society. We consistently challenge structural racism, gender inequality, and discrimination based on ethnicity, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, economic status, physical ability, gender, immigration and immigration status. We seek to open channels of opportunities for those who are systemically denied.
We believe that people, not corporations, have inalienable rights. The Foundation builds the power of people – those most impacted and those who have been marginalized – to be actively involved in advancing solutions to the problems they face.
We believe in an environmentally just earth in which all species have the right to co-exist.
THEORY OF CHANGE
We understand that social change occurs over time through a combination of strategies, forces and events - small and large, planned and unplanned.
We recognize the special role of diverse, inclusive and democratic grassroots movements organized by people who are directly affected. The people and organizations in social movements that collectively develop a vision of and paths toward lasting change are the best advocates to build public support and community understanding.
We believe that grassroots movements are among the strongest forces in our society to hold public policymakers and private corporations accountable.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
- Environmental Justice
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
- Reproductive Rights
- Sustainable New York City
Over the years, the Internet has become the Noyes Foundation’s primary source of communication with the public. We utilize a website, a Twitter account and a Facebook page. Grant applications are accepted through the Internet and our newsletter, Noyes News, is disseminated electronically to about 3,000 people.
While acknowledging the benefits of the Internet, the Foundation is also aware of the digital divide that exists in many rural and some urban communities. We, and we encourage others to, give thoughtful consideration to issues related to the Internet, especially with regard to access for all regardless of income status or geographic location. We hope to be part of a broader dialogue about the meaningful uses of digital technology and the potential for its misapplication.
WHAT'S NEW
Edith Muma, the daughter of Jessie Smith and step-daughter of Charles F. Noyes, passed away on March 17th at the age of 96. Edie was a visionary and risk taker, who loved serving on the Noyes Board. Many of our grantees had the privilege of meeting and discussing their work with her. Edie was instrumental in changing the mission of the Foundation in the mid-1980s, agreeing to focus less on scholarships and more on activism as a way to achieve social change. That decision serves as the underpinning of our work today. We will always remember Edie.
Grants Awarded - March, 2012
Noyes News, April, 2012
OTHER INFORMATION ON THE NOYES SITE
Grantee Corner, stories from our grantees and information and resources that hopefully can help your organization.
Final Evaluation - Diversifying Leadership for Sustainable Food Policy Initiative
A three-year partnership (2007-2009) between the Noyes and W.K. Kellogg Foundations. Report prepared by Community Science
Reproductive Justice Toolkit Video Series, produced by the Women of Color Working Group of the Funders Network on Population, Reproductive Health and Rights, which includes interviews with Wilma Montanez, Noyes Program Officer for Reproductive Rights, and Vic De Luca, Noyes President.
Summary of the evaluation of the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation (2008)
Setting the Table for a Sustainable and Just Food System by Kolu Zigbi, Kien Lee and Marjorie Nemes
Annie Leonard presents The Story of Cap and Trade
Noyes Foundation Grantee Perception Report (2005)
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