Plant Medicine Coalition (PMC), a nonprofit organization based in Washington D.C. that supports plant medicine research and education, opened applications on April 1st, 2021 for their inaugural Community Creation Grants Program. Under this program, D.C. residents and organizations will be able to apply for funding for a variety of educational and community building activities related to psychedelic plant medicines.
According to Melissa Lavasani, founder and executive director of Plant Medicine Coalition, while 76 percent of D.C. voters were in favour of the decriminalization of plant medicines in November, the organization’s work is far from over. She emphasized how important it is to impart the proper knowledge and community awareness to the residents of D.C. in order for them to make safe and informed decisions about plant medicines. For her, these grants are the latest step on that journey.
This year’s grants program will focus on two areas:
- Educational Resources: Including curriculum building, how-to guides, data and documentation, and community-based education projects.
- Community Healing Hub Development: Including growing membership and capacity, professional support, integration facilitators, and conferences.
Because Initiative 81’s reach is limited to Washington D.C., only projects based in this area will be considered in the initial round of grants. Priority will be given to applicants serving marginalized and historically underserved communities, as well as for projects managed by applicants who demonstrate cultural competency. In this context, PMC welcomes applications from D.C.-based community organizations and leaders that seek funding for plant medicine education resources and opportunities and/or community healing hubs and leadership development.
Grant applications will be reviewed by Plant Medicine Coalition’s staff, with prompt and extensive feedback from existing Community Healing Hubs and community leaders in different areas. Grants will be awarded to the applicants who PMC sees as the best possible fit for potential partnerships.
Recipients will be chosen based on alignment with PMC’s goal of continuing to raise awareness of plant medicine’s potential, evidence-based practices, and community harm reduction support. In addition to the grant award, those selected will also have the opportunity to join in Plant Medicine Coalition’s local government and public affairs advocacy efforts.
Applications opened on April 1st, 2021, and will close on May 15th.
