Approach - Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation

Residents of Portland, OR rally to save DACA in 2017.

Our Mission

We envision a socially just and environmentally sustainable society in which all people are able to gain the knowledge and build the power they need to exercise their rights and participate fully in the economic, social, and political decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Our mission is to support grassroots organizations and movements in the United States working to change environmental, social, economic, and political conditions to bring about a more just, equitable, and sustainable world while investing our endowment in ways that strengthen and support those movements.

How We Do It

Social Justice Grantmaking
Our grantmaking prioritizes grassroots organizations and coalitions working on intersecting issues of racial, gender, economic, environmental, and/or Indigenous justice. Go to Grants

Investing for Impact
Through screening, shareholder engagement, manager selection, and measuring the impact of our investments, we work to align our investing with our grantmaking priorities to build the better world we envision. Go to Investing

Principles that Guide Us

Organized by WV FREE, West Virginians march for reproductive rights in Washington, DC.

Uplifting the Power of the People

We believe collective action led by those most harmed by the status quo is the best way to advance racial justice and gender justice.

Student advocate speaks at a townhall panel in Miami, FL organized by Power U.

Amplifying Voices for Equity

We support organizations that address injustice at its roots and communicate strategically for change.

Southerners on New Ground convenes groups advancing cross-issue movement building.

Expanding Influence

We know that coalitions, strategic alliance, and intersecting movements are how historically disenfranchised groups build the influence needed to transform society.

ALIGN launches "Our Jobs, Our Futures," on the steps of City Hall in New York City.

Intervening for Systemic Change

We understand that lasting change comes from engaging communities most impacted by injustice to offer solutions that are grounded by lived experiences.

Photos (From top of page, L-R): Residents of Portland, OR rally to save DACA in 2017. / Organized by WV FREE, West Virginians march for reproductive rights in Washington, DC. / Student advocate speaks at a townhall panel in Miami, FL organized by Power U. / Southerners on New Ground convenes groups advancing cross-issue movement building. / ALIGN launches "Our Jobs, Our Futures," on the steps of City Hall in New York City.