The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation is guided by the principle that people develop and flourish best when they enjoy fundamental civil and political rights and live in a safe and healthy environment. In recognition of the ongoing impact of institutionalized racism in the US, the rising threats of xenophobia worldwide and the devastating effects of climate change, particularly on people of color and low-income communities, the Foundation supports efforts to confront racism, protect against prejudicial treatment towards immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and mitigate climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities.
The Foundation's geographic focus is primarily in Baltimore City, the Maryland and DC regions, and New York.
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Recognizing the urgency of global warming and the disproportionate impact that it has on life in low-income communities and communities of color, the Foundation supports efforts to create sustainable and fair solutions to mitigate climate change. Funding is provided for:
- Building broad based, bipartisan alliances pushing for robust and equitable energy and climate policies at the federal, state and local levels
- Grass roots organizing and advocacy led by communities most affected by climate change
Thurgood Marshall Memorial, Maryland State House Square, Credit: Philip Rink Jr. / Alamy Stock Photo
To expose and challenge institutionalized racism and to ensure equal and fair treatment for all, the Foundation supports:
- Strategic advocacy and policy reform efforts to end racial inequities in the justice system
- Programs focused on changing the culture of punishment and criminalization of youth in schools, practices which disproportionately affect students of color
Family Visit CAIR Coalition
To protect the rights of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. the Foundation provides grants for:
- Immigrant-led organizing and advocacy for just immigration policies
- Immigrant legal services and impact litigation to ensure critical legal and social protections for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers
- Holistic support networks for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence
