Our Current Projects
We are thrilled to welcome you to our Current Projects page. Here, you’ll get an insider's look at the transformative initiatives we’re backing this year. As stewards of philanthropy, we understand the importance of transparency and collaboration in making a meaningful impact on the causes that matter most to us all.
Your Role in Catalyzing Change:
This page has been created especially for you, our valued potential donors, as a way to give you an inside look at the inspiring projects that are seeking funding. These proposals represent a diverse range of causes, all aimed at making the world a better place in their own unique ways. From education and regenerative community work to environmental conservation and social justice, each project reflects the dedication and passion of the individuals and organizations behind them.
Your generosity fuels these projects, bringing them from vision to reality. As we highlight our recent grant recipients and their projects—your contributions are vital for maximizing their success and sustainability.
LDF Current Grant Recipients
Climate Mobilization Project & Greenside Up Vertical Farming
Project Overview: Comprehensive plan to engage Las Vegas' Historic West Side in the climate justice movement through sustainable food production, community organizing, and leadership development. Focus on grassroots solutions, cooperative economic development, and equitable resource control positions to make a significant impact on the community's resilience to climate change and food insecurity. Includes expanding community supported agriculture program for EBT and WIC clients to 100+ people and creating 30,000 pounds of food, education around climate impact survival, economic self-determination and empowerment that synergize with GSU’s expanded food and workforce programming. 180+ residents will participate in survival programs to build stronger relationships, take action to care for each other and their community, and increase their connections to community organizations and civic participation.
Ask: $75,000
LDF Funded: $56,250
DISCOVERY Children‘s Museum
Project Overview: Energy Energia Exhibit; the museum’s newest and innovative exhibit to approach education, community engagement, and workforce development. Collaboration with LDF, CCSD, and other community partners highlights a collective effort to enhance STEM education and environmental awareness among Nevada's youth, significantly focusing on workforce development, aiming to inspire and educate future generations about careers in sustainable energy and environmental sciences. The museum's initiatives, from the hydroponics scavenger hunt to the development of bi-lingual materials and the exploration of collaborative grants, reflect a dynamic and inclusive strategy to engage visitors and support community needs.
Ask: $50,000
LDF Funded: $25,000
Obodo Collective
Project Overview: To finish outfitting their Green Grocer space; 600 sf building onsite at their community garden, located in the Historic Westside, offering strategic solutions for systemic issues such as limited access to healthy food, and support for a marginalized community that has been overlooked and oppressed. The Green Grocer, envisioned as more than just a pantry, is set to be a co-op and donation-based market offering locally grown produce. This model promotes sustainability and self-reliance, encouraging community members to support one another while accessing healthy food options. It's a physical manifestation of the Collective's commitment to community empowerment, serving as a hub for education, nutrition, and mutual support.
Ask: $25,000
LDF Funded: $15,000
Start: Empowerment & CORE Academy
Project Overview: Introduce the climate justice curriculum developed by Start: Empowerment to Nevada. Launching a pilot program across five CORE Academy sites, with the aspiration of leveraging the outcomes and data gathered to propose a broader implementation to the Clark County School District (CCSD). This curriculum, which has already received accolades from the New York Department of Education, focuses on environmental justice, significantly with engaging BIPOC students. Our approach includes training educators, developing a place-based curriculum, and addressing climate-related anxiety through practices that integrate mental and physical well-being.
Ask: $65,000
LDF Funded: $32,500
Green Our Planet
Project Overview: New building purchased in East LV for the new GOP HQ, offering community classes in gardening, hydroponics, nutrition, and film to local community members. Collaborative project with CC Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Pastor McCoy (After-Market food co-op creator - GOP’s food will be sold here). Project budget is $2M total: still in need to raise $1m to pay for renovations, hydroponics laboratory and film studio.
Ask: $75,000 LDF
Funded: $25,000
Inspired by what you've read? Don’t hesitate to make a direct impact! Your support not only propels these projects forward but also amplifies their positive effects across communities. Join us in this journey of empowerment and change by donating or reaching out to discuss how you can contribute to these worthy causes.
To dive deeper into each project and truly understand the change they're poised to bring, simply reach out to our Executive Director, Kat Klehm. She's your primary contact for exploring these initiatives in detail and discussing how you can make a tangible difference.
Together, let’s cultivate a future where innovation and community go hand in hand. Thank you for considering supporting our mission. We look forward to exploring these exciting possibilities with you!