Strengthening Our Network

As GAIA, we know that the strength of our network lies in our membership of grassroots organizations that are making and sustaining change across the world. Supporting our members and their work has always been one of GAIA’s top priorities and even more in challenging times.

The last couple of years have been particularly difficult for the communities where GAIA members are organizing. Grassroots organizations are confronting multiple threats, including COVID-19, local climate emergencies, and economic downturns, as well as many opportunities on the policy and local organizing fronts. To meet increased needs and new opportunities, GAIA reallocated and raised additional funds to support member organizations on the ground. In 2021, we redistributed $2.6 million to 96 organizations across the different regions where we work: Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America & the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States & Canada.

$2.6 million redistributed to 96 organizations in Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America & the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States & Canada.

Emergency Solidarity Fund and Wellness Funds for Contemplative Practices

In response to the most urgent needs originated by the pandemic, we launched a second round of the Emergency Solidarity Funds, built out collaborative fundraising efforts globally, and also distributed Wellness Funds aiming to equip GAIA members to remain strong, healthy, and resilient. Many thanks to The JPB Foundation, Libra Foundation, Ho Foundation, Jenifer Altman Foundation, Plastic Solutions Fund, Urban Movement Innovation Fund, Cloud Mountain Foundation, Tundra Glacier Fund, and Oak Foundation for their support of these programs.

Redistribution of Funds by Countries

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Hear How This Funds Have Supported Our Members Directly From Them

Citizens Environmental and Social Concern (CESCo), Zambia

“The GAIA Covid-19 Relief and Advocacy Funds has helped to push this platform further, on Saturday 21st August 2021, CESCo distributed 100 face masks, 100 protective gum boots, 100 PVC protective gloves, 100 hand sanitizers and soaps, and 100 reflector safety vests to the most vulnerable women and out of school youths waste pickers at Zambia’s biggest dumpsite called Chunga Dumpsite in Lusaka.”

Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), Bangladesh

“For considering waste front liners health safety and future well-being, ESDO and GAIA has provided PPE kit and Relief to Waste Front liners so that they cannot get infected from wastes as well as they can support their family members with basic needs. As a total, 210 waste front liners were provided PPE kit and food relief. In upcoming days, ESDO will support more waste workers in the COVID-19 crisis time to ensure their life sustenance and occupational health-safety. Nonetheless, ESDO hopes to support these community workers even in future to deal with such pandemic situation.”

Centre for Human Rights & Governance, DR Congo

“327 people have benefited food aid which included rice, beans, and maize flour and material aid which includes kits for the prevention of Covid-19.”

“I am really very happy for your food aid which will help me to feed the children during this very difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic. I was almost unable to get food following our waste collection activity which is in slow motion”, Marie Chantal Nyembo said

Community Sanitation and Recycling Organization (CSARO), Cambodia

“All waste workers are very appreciated with thankful of supporting Covid-19 Relief and Advocacy funds 2021 from Global Alliance for Incineration Alternative GAIA. This support has enabled continuation of 55 waste worker members have capacity for the waste worker community to become more self-sufficient and have personal protection equipment PPE at work within their low-income communities and their livelihood.”

Kashtakari Panchayat, India

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Your support helped us reach out to the 8000 waste pickers affected by the second wave of the pandemic. Direct cash transfers, dry rations and safety gear were provided to all those integrated in the formal waste collection system. The process of relief work has enabled us to focus on supporting waste pickers in

getting crucial documents in place and assisting their efforts towards financial inclusion. Waste pickers have been encouraged to take the COVID vaccines through dedicated drives and camps.”