Durham, NC (August 15, 2024) – The Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement Network (SOLVE) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 SOLVE Southern Spark Grants.
This year, now more than ever, the need to reach voters in this important election year in an area of the country that has endured some of the worst voter suppression tactics is critical.
The SOLVE Southern Spark Grant program, which is in its fourth year, aims to empower and support grassroots organizations working tirelessly to enhance voter engagement and protect voting rights across the South. The selected recipients have demonstrated exceptional commitment to these causes and will utilize the funds to further their impactful work in their respective communities.
Thirty organizations across SOLVE’s 10-state footprint will receive $10,000 grants this year — with projects ranging from providing education to voters about issues such as felony disenfranchisement to hosting voter empowerment events. Among the grantees are a group in Florida that is hosting Civics 101 classes for young voters and a group in Georgia that is working to ensure that homeless veterans know their rights and have their voices heard.
“It is an honor to be able to fund such amazing organizations this year. The ability to get resources to organizations on the ground that are working on educating voters, getting them engaged in the electoral process, and getting them fired up about voting is very important,” said Mitchell Brown, SOLVE network coordinator and senior voting rights counsel for voting rights at SCSJ. “We don’t take regranting lightly and we are grateful for the opportunity to engage in this process.”
The 2024 Grant Recipients are:
Alabama
- Alabama Election Protection Network
- United Women of Color
- Birmingham Black Nurse Association, Inc.
Florida
- Equal Ground Education Fund
- Farmworkers Self-Help, Inc.
- Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters
Georgia:
- Hancock Community Development Corp
- Joynt Production Network
Louisiana:
- A Bella LaFemme Society
- Westside Sponsoring Committee
- Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative
Mississippi:
- Sunflower County Parents and Students United
- Mississippi Education Organizing Alliance
North Carolina:
- Asheboro Latinx Services
South Carolina:
- Tnovsa Global Commons
Tennessee:
- American Muslim Advisory Council
- Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis
Texas:
- El Paso Civic Education Organization (EPCEO)
- South Asian American Voter Empowerment of Texas Education Fund
Virginia:
- Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights
###
SOLVE, a project of Southern Coalition for Social Justice, is a multi-state collaborative of over 200 organizations dedicated to sharing strategies, resources, and support in the ongoing struggle to protect and expand voting rights. Our mission is to provide a space for Southern grassroots and state-based organizations to address and rectify policies that have weakened the voting strength of communities. Learn more at solve@scsj.org, at solvenetwork.org and follow our work on Instagram and Twitter.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
