People demonstrating in Olympia on Jan. 21 for the 12th Annual Farmworkers Tribunal, called “Campesinos Siembran el Futuro!” or ”Farmworkers Seed the Future!” Photo: Uly Curry
Inatai’s mission to transform the balance of power to ensure equity and racial justice in Washington and beyond remains steadfast.
Organizations led by and for people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and people from working-class backgrounds have been and are tirelessly building a more equitable and racially just Washington every day. These are the communities to whom our foundation is accountable. They understand better than anyone how current power structures exclude them, and they possess the vision and strength to build a better Washington for all of us.
Inatai will continue to embrace their visions, support their solutions, and follow their courage.
When Kim Rinehardt of Mason County HOST told us last year that “systems have tried to dim the light on what myself and my staff are doing. And we’re not scared,” we took her words to heart.
If Kim and Mason County HOST are not scared, we’re not scared.
When the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) learned last week that ICE might be present at their Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day in Olympia, they prepared their people and refused to back down.
If WAISN is not backing down, we’re not backing down.
When the Lavender Rights Project remained firm two days after the election, urging everyone to “[R]ise together and create a new dawn of justice, a world where our voices are heard, our rights are protected, and our dreams are realized,” they reminded us that we cannot hide from what’s happening around us.
If the Lavender Rights Project is not staying silent, we’re not staying silent.
This past fall, Inatai granted $10 million through the Beyond Washington Fund to support organizing work led by people of color, immigrants, and queer communities in sister states because we know what happens to communities in places like Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska impacts communities right here in Washington.
Over the last year, we committed more than $70 million to hundreds of power-building organizations within and beyond Washington. Most of those grants were for multi-year, general operating support. Many of those dollars focused on funding organizing work for LGBTQIA+ and immigrant rights.
Looking ahead, in 2025, we will launch our 50-Year Vision. This is long-term work informed by years of relationship-building with and learning from community leaders. We hope it will be robust enough to hold communities’ dreams and support their growth in power. While we recognize the urgency today, we understand that the long journey toward equity and racial justice requires sustained time and energy.
To the hundreds of community organizations we support: We are with you today and for the next 50 years and beyond. As we face the challenges ahead, we know that collectively, we are a powerful force for change. Let’s continue to make the bold call for equity and racial justice. Please keep sharing your expertise and stories with us and with one another as we shape the next few years of work together. As we fortify ourselves for what is to come, do know that everyone at Inatai Foundation is here for you.
