What is Maria Fund?
Maria Fund is a social justice intermediary that focuses on supporting organizations committed to collective liberation through racial, gender, and socioeconomic equity in Puerto Rico.
How do we do it?
We raise, mobilize, and create resources; provide training, foster leadership development, and amplify the narrative of the work being done, in order to accompany leaders in their growth and the expansion of their organizations. We bring these strategies to life through our programs and initiatives.
our story
Our Story: A Bridge of Hope and Solidarity
In the early hours of September 20, 2017, Puerto Rico was rocked by the devastating Hurricane Maria. In response to this crisis, thousands of individuals, much like yourself, came together to provide support and solidarity. Thus, the Maria Fund was born, a bridge of hope and resilience, fueled by the power of community and a commitment to rebuilding. With the backing of over 36,000 people, the Maria Fund became a symbol of strength and love in times of despair.
In Puerto Rico, as we undertook the historic responsibility of protecting our most affected neighbors, community leaders and grassroots groups emerged, tirelessly mobilizing from day one and continuing their work with unwavering determination. The bridge we constructed enabled us to mobilize resources to over 40 organizations, supporting over 116,000 individuals in the first year. The network of the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) and its tireless efforts strengthened our voice and our cause.
Our Everlasting Commitment: A Future of Change and Justice
María Fund PR has rapidly evolved to address not only the immediate crisis but also to adapt to the political and social challenges of Puerto Rico. With a focus on supporting grassroots organizations committed to long-term change, María Fund PR has expanded its reach and to date, has mobilized support for over 90 organizations with $10.5 million distributed in grants, stipends, and rapid response support across the archipelago. Our focus lies in creating a strong network of leaders and organizations committed to social justice and nation-building. In recent years, at María Fund PR, a thoughtful and transformative approach has been key to outlining and strengthening our strategies in supporting the community of leaders and organizations we endorse. Throughout this process of reflection, we have defined our initiatives and strategies to ensure they are in line with the specific needs and challenges of our archipelago, which is on its way to being transformed into one of dignity for all.
Our mission
Promoting the growth of a network of leaders and organized groups with a shared vision for the country to transfer wealth and power to our communities in order to achieve collective liberation.
Our vision
Building a country where we recognize ourselves as free and interdependent individuals to connect with the rest of the world. We are committed to a diverse, horizontal Puerto Rico that does not give up on love, joy, collective healing, and where colonialism does not exist. In this Puerto Rico, political decisions are in response to the will of the people.
The Role of the Maria Fund
The Maria Fund is one of many leaders in Puerto Rico’s social justice movement. We are a connector, builder, and funder of our movement, creating space to think bigger and act effectively today toward a larger vision.
Our values
We believe that:
Organizing is critical.
In both the short and long run, the biggest asset in establishing a more equitable and sustainable Puerto Rico is the people. We believe – and invest in their organizing efforts.
Support goes to the frontlines.
The people and organizations at the grassroots are leading the day-to-day recovery and rebuilding a new Puerto Rico. We are dedicated to supporting these initiatives.
The focus is on the long-term recovery.
In 2017, Hurricane María shook Puerto Rico. María Fund actively supported relief efforts to tend to immediate needs. Since then, our economy, the energy system, schools, agriculture, and all facets of society have struggled. We support efforts to achieve a just and equitable Puerto Rico.
Disasters are not just natural.
The impact natural disasters on the people living in Puerto Rico is not just caused by hurricanes, earthquakes and, now, pandemics. As a U.S. colony, stripped of political power and facing multiple layers of corruption and a failing economy, we are confronted with skyrocketing poverty, crippling austerity measures, and crumbling infrastructures. We support initiatives that address and seek to transform the root causes of these problems.
A new Puerto Rico is possible.
Hurricane María sparked a critical moment of change for Puerto Rico. It proved that when people work together – and organize – the odds can be beat. We work with movement leaders, initiatives, and organizations dedicated to the transformation of Puerto Rico’s future into one of equity, justice, and sustainability.
The people decide where resources go.
For the 2020 grant cycle The María Fund team, made up 100% Puerto Ricans from Puerto Rico and the United States, will evaluate and make decisions on where resources are moved. Our long-term commitment is to expand this to include participation from leaders who are aligned with our mission, vision, and values
Our Strategies
At María Fund PR, our journey has been one of introspection and transformation. We have examined our place within the broader social justice movement and, in response, we have defined our strategies to better strengthen the community of leaders and organizations we support.
Collaborative Grantmaking
At the heart of our strategy lies a new collaborative grant-making process. Our model goes beyond the traditional allocation of resources; it strives to foster connections, encourage shared analysis, and, most importantly, share power in the decision-making process for resource distribution.
Strategic Convenings
Our collaborative approach is based on forging spaces where leaders, organizations, and communities can come together to collectively address challenges and analyze collective progress.
Capacity Building
We understand that strengthening goes far beyond financial support. Therefore, we look forward to launching in 2024 three different peer learning programs, leadership cultivation, and skill development within our partner organizations.