We are thrilled to share that, with the help of our community advisor committee, we have refined our focus this year to thoughtfully foster and deepen relationships among our cohort members to create deeper, more meaningful collaboration. We recognize that the current sociopolitical climate profoundly affects the mental health and well-being of our participants, and that a strong, supportive community offers a much-needed salve for the stresses we are collectively experiencing.
Cohort organizations gain essential skills in board development and strategic planning—skills that are fundamental for the sustainability and growth of any nonprofit. Strengthening board governance empowers organizations to set clear direction, foster accountability, and cultivate strong leadership. Strategic planning, meanwhile, enables nonprofits to navigate challenges, set achievable goals, and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. By investing in these core areas, nonprofits are better equipped to serve their communities and maximize their impact. We are proud to support nonprofits in getting the resources they need and in building co-visionary partnerships with one another. We are so excited to spend the rest of this year collaborating with these dedicated community-led organizations. Read below to learn more about their fantastic work in the community.
African Young Dreamer’s Empowerment Program International
AYDEPI exists to support youth of color- especially immigrant and refugee youth- to lead with resilience and accountability. Through culturally grounded, trauma informed programs, storytelling, African heritage arts, dialogue, circles, and digital media, we nurture leadership, self expression, and strong community connections.
“While our team will benefit from continued growth in leadership and organizational development, the greatest and most transformative impact will be on our youth leaders who are actively designing and running the program. Through targeted training in youth leadership development, legal frameworks, organizational governance and foundational structure, strategic planning, and fundraising, our youth will develop the critical competencies required to build, manage, and sustain a high-functioning organization.”-Beatrice Kiraguri
Dayspring works to give hope to underserved African immigrant communities by promoting health, independence, and self-sufficiency, while empowering them to overcome stigma, bias, and racial inequities in pursuit of a better quality of life.
“Participation in this cohort will usher Dayspring as an organization into another phase of leadership empowerment, networking. The real meaning of Social equity and Social justice will make real meaning since that is majorly what Communities rise stands for. Secondly, the impact on how to officially run an organization will be revealed to us.”- Elizabeth Oroko
We are committed to helping preserve our critically endangered Xaad kíl (Haida language) for future generations.
“Haida Roots is excited to be a part of the Community Rise 2026 Cohort! We look forward to learning from mentors and experts on how to run our non-profit more effectively so we can hire more people. Our main focus is perpetuating our endangered language through songs, books, art, classes and more. It is very refreshing to work with like minded souls who care about our small community.”- Sondra Cunningham
Mother’s Impacting Lives Everyday
Mothers Impacting Lives Everyday (MILE) empowers at-risk BIPOC girls and mothers to heal, grow, and lead through trauma-informed mentorship, mental health support, and leadership development; creating pathways to self-sufficiency, generational healing, and community impact.
“This cohort represents an important step in MILE’s growth as we continue to expand our impact across Seattle. We are committed to strengthening our systems in a way that keeps community voice and lived experience at the center of our work. This opportunity allows us to build sustainability while contributing to a broader shift toward investing in grassroots, community-led organizations.”- Kechi Amafuele
Porsesh Policy Research Institute
Porsesh Policy Research Institute is a community-centered data and research organization dedicated to producing community-driven data and analysis through community participatory approach. We work directly with communities to generate insights that inform more responsive, community tailored services and programs.
“We are pleased to be part of the 2026 Communities Rise cohort. Through this opportunity, we aim to strengthen our approach to building a strong and engaged board, while also refining our strategies for funding and resource mobilization with guidance from mentors and cohort peers. Grounded in community priorities, we view this cohort as an important space to learn alongside diverse grassroots leaders and to deepen our organizational capacity to better serve and support communities.” -Ehsan Shayegan
Supportive Childcare Provider Alliance
Our mission is centered around advocacy for minority-owned childcare providers while also providing them with the resources they need to enhance children’s well-being.
“We are honored to be part of the Communities Rise Capacity Building Cohort. Through culturally responsive resources, technical support, and community-rooted programming, we address critical gaps in access and sustainability within the childcare workforce. This cohort will strengthen our capacity to grow this impact, sustain our services, and build strategic partnerships with organizations working toward shared community outcomes.”-Fatima Adam
To create a safe and connected global community for refugees and immigrants where the individual’s artistic talent is recognized as a tool for social, economic, and cultural development.
“I have the passion, motivation, and vision for where I want to take the organization. However, the dynamics of leading a new and emerging organization—especially one led by an immigrant—come with challenges. The fear of making mistakes or being on the wrong side of the law is my greatest concern. But working with Communities Rise feels like gaining additional skills and support that will help me reach my goals.”-Tshishiku Henry
We are so excited to be in partnership with such an amazing cohort this year. This cohort is funded through City of Seattle Human Services Department and King County Communities of Opportunity and we thank them for their partnership.