MARIA FUND
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SEEDS OF THE FUTURE
Tending to Puerto Rico’s Social Justice
Ecosystem in this Critical Moment
Just like a seed holds a forest inside, every act of organizing and collaboration within our social justice ecosystem holds a future of power for the people of Puerto Rico.
As an intermediary organization, María Fund supports local justice-centered grassroots groups so they can grow, strengthen, and catalyze their collective power.
Our
Evolution
María Fund was born in response to the devastation of Hurricane María in 2017, an event that exposed deep inequities rooted in centuries of colonialism and decades of neoliberal policies.
And yet, it also revealed the strength and resilience of our people.
Over the past seven years, María Fund has mobilized $16 million in direct support to organizations that share a critical analysis of disaster capitalism and a commitment to leveraging recovery efforts to organize communities.
Puerto Rico's
Current State
Puerto Rico embodies resilience,
continuously affirming life despite
systemic barriers.
The archipelago remains one of the world’s last colonies, subjected to austerity measures imposed by an unelected federal Fiscal Oversight Board, delayed disaster recovery, and widespread privatization of public services. Climate change further deepens these challenges, exacerbating displacement and instability.
The rise of authoritarianism, unchecked influence of unelected billionaires, disaster capitalism and white supremacist nationalism in the U.S., directly impacts Puerto Rico too — where our people have little to no political power in the U.S. democratic system.
Yet, amid these crises, Puerto Ricans persist with an unwavering love for their land and a deep-rooted practice of solidarity — captured in the phrase “nos tenemos” (we got each other). With over 100 years of experience in fighting and organizing under U.S. colonialism, we continue to push forward, trusting that our ancestral knowledge and collective experience will guide us. Social movements are igniting new conversations on justice, economic sovereignty, and power-building.
At María Fund, we support this civic engagement and the critical work of organizations shaping a more just future for Puerto Rico.
Our Recent Work
- Distribute resources to organizations committed to long-term change particularly those led by historically marginalized communities — including Black, trans, queer, youth, and rural organizations.
- Foster networks and collaboration through convenings and discussion spaces.
- Strengthen collective analysis and action through capacity-building programs and fostering collaborations and strategic partnerships.
- Amplify new narratives that uplift grassroots movements at local and global stages.
Tending to the soil
Our work is guided by three strategic pathways:
Grow
Strengthen
Invest in leadership, collaboration, and infrastructure prioritizing the evolving needs of grassroots movements. This includes redistribution of targeted funding, facilitation of training programs, and development of leadership cohorts — like the recently launched Laboratoria para Organizar (Laboratory for Organizing).
Catalyze
Seeds Need Our Attention to Grow
Puerto Rico’s network of grassroots organizations is growing,
rooted in a long tradition of solidarity. However, for these organizations to thrive and drive meaningful change in this context, they need stable resources for operational sustainability, capacity building, and strategic collaboration.
At María Fund we are committed to nurturing this ecosystem. We invite funders and allies to join us at this critical moment, to ensure grassroots movements have the support they need to continue building a just and resilient Puerto Rico.
Your contribution will not only sustain vital grassroots work — it will stand as a testament to your commitment to justice.By investing in María Fund, you are planting the seeds for a Puerto Rico where equity and resilience flourish.
We look forward to exploring how you can be part of this transformative work.
With gratitude,
Xiomara P. Caro Díaz
Executive Director
xiomara@mariafund.org
Rígel Lugo
Development& Narrative Director
rigel@mariafund.org
Maria Funds
ecosystem
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Tides Center c/o María Fund 1014 Torney Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129
E: info@mariafund.org / mariafund.org
