The Nathan Cummings Foundation is a family foundation inspired by Jewish social justice traditions, aiming to realize a more just, vibrant, sustainable, and democratic society. It partners with social movements, organizations, and individuals offering creative solutions to climate change and inequality, focusing on racial, economic, and environmental justice (REEJ). Utilizing its grants, investments, and voice, the foundation commits to changemaking, emphasizing long-term goals over temporary solutions.
The grant program from the Nathan Cummings Foundation supports efforts to address and rectify environmental, racial, and economic injustices, contributing to a holistic approach towards achieving systemic change. In environmental justice, it focuses on environmental harms, inclusive participation in the green economy, and regenerative economic models, ensuring BIPOC and low-income communities have equity in environmental solutions and opportunities. Racial justice endeavors aim to dismantle structural barriers and oppressive systems against marginalized groups, while economic justice initiatives work towards providing economic security, equitable access to capital, and combating monopoly power, thus fostering a more inclusive economy. The foundation also considers Program Related Investments (PRI) to further its mission, expecting some capital returned with possibly more favorable terms than a traditional financial institution, with a budget target around $3 million for PRIs.