Thursday, December 26, 2013

Aaron P. Dworkin: Separate from my work at the Sphinx Organization, I am excited to announce the launch of the Dworkin Foundation!

 Aaron P. Dworkin



Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) is featured at AfriClassical.com as an African American violinist, Founder of the Sphinx Organization and a MacArthur Fellow.  He writes: 

Separate from my work at the Sphinx Organization, I am excited to announce the launch of the Dworkin Foundation! We are a private foundation dedicated to making a positive difference in society. The foundation was seeded by and continues to be supported by annual gifts from the Dworkin family.  We focus on providing small grant support and serving as a catalyst to emerging non-profit organizations that have a clear mission to impact communities through significant initiatives.  Our primary activity is our DIG (Dworkin Ignition Grants) Awards program.  Our key areas of focus are Diversity, Legal Justice, Equal Rights for LGBT communities and Equal Access to quality healthcare, food and fitness.  You can read more on our web site at www.DworkinFoundation.org.


I am even more excited to share that we have already selected our Inaugural DIG Awards recipients!  I strongly encourage you to check out the absolutely transformative work being done by these important organizations led by dynamic individuals.  Our Inaugural recipients are:

Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop: Empowering young inmates to write new chapters in their lives
Washington, DC
Free Minds’ mission is to introduce young inmates to the transformative power of books and creative writing. By mentoring them and connecting them to supportive services throughout their incarceration into reentry, Free Minds inspires these youths to see their potential and achieve new educational and career goals.

INTAKE Music: Instrumentally Native Taking on the Classics
Stamford, CT
Intake’s mission is to improve the quality of life for opportunity youth by providing access to quality classical music education through the use of native instruments that represent diverse cultural backgrounds.
They strive to increase learning proficiency through educational and learning programs that leverage the discipline of classical music, and addressing our community audiences through public performances, community outreach events, and cultural advocacy.

KICK: The Center in Detroit
Detroit, MI
Kick’s aim is to implement LGBT affirming programs, services, projects and special events; and to partner with other social justice organizations and allies with similar beliefs. In 2011 The Center in Detroit opened and provides the LGBT and allied community a safe space in Detroit in which to discuss, learn and offer support to one another.

Sow Much Good: Gardening for Life
Charlotte, NC
Sow Much Good is committed to growing healthy communities in underserved neighborhoods by: Providing direct access to fresh, affordable food; Educating and engaging residents to adopt healthy eating habits and Advocating for the right of every person to have real food security.

Please feel free to share the news of our grant opportunities with those who you believe are transforming communities, and encourage them to apply through our web site.  Following is the listing of our Board of Directors:
Chair: Aaron P. Dworkin
Vice-Chair: Afa Sadykhly Dworkin
Treasurer: Madeline Moore
Secretary: Audeen Moore
Noah Still Dworkin (ex-officio)

Take care, and Happy Holidays!

Aaron

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