Grassroots Groups Deserve Direct Grants

To the Editor:

The importance of grassroots groups cannot be denied, as David Horton Smith observes (“Grassroots Associations: the Lost Non-Profit World,” My View, September 18). But to conclude, as he does, that direct grants weaken these groups reflects too narrow a view of the roles that grassroots organizing play in community life.

We are writing this letter from San Antonio, where we are privileged to be participants in the sixth gathering of the Southwest Network on Environmental and Economic Justice, which includes 90 community organizations from the Southwest and the border states of Mexico. These groups are fighting for survival against economic and environmental injustice. They are not doing something for others — the spirit of altruism that Mr. Smith refers to — but are seeking to empower themselves. They are building democracy by challenging the power structures that deny them rights to clean air and water, decent housing, and sustainable livelihoods, among other things.

One example will suffice. While in San Antonio we visited a community adjacent to the Kelly Air Force Base, a major source of toxic ground water that has leached into neighboring water supplies. The people of the largely Hispanic neighboring community have suffered considerably over the years in terms of health and quality of life from toxic assaults.

Now they are fighting back with the help of the Southwest Public Workers Union, a grassroots group that has canvassed the residents, organized a health survey to document the conditions in the community, and worked to publicize their plight in various forums. The residents are now empowered to confront the Department of Defense — no mean feat.

Grassroots groups need all the support that philanthropy can muster. They can and will make clear their needs — if philanthropy will listen — giving real meaning to philanthropy’s oft-spoken commitment to the civic society, citizen participation, and democracy.

Susan Beaudry
Program Officer
LaFetra Operating Foundation
Oakland, Cal.

John Boettiger
Vice-President
Christopher Reynolds Foundation
New York

Chuck Shuford
Executive Director
Needmor Fund
Boulder, Colo.

Stephen Viederman
President
Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation
New York