Pillars Fund
A Look Back on 2023
/ January 8, 2024
As I look back on 2023, it’s been abundantly clear that Pillars’ work is needed now more than ever. I see the need for Muslim leaders to hold our elected officials accountable for their policies and rhetoric, the need for community-based mental health care that addresses our trauma and creates space for healing, the need for advocates to protect us from increased hate and intolerance, and the need for stories told by and for our communities. I’m honored and forever grateful that Pillars’ grantee partners, fellows, board members, and trustees are stepping into these roles to advocate for our communities.
For a more comprehensive look at Pillars’ year, we’ve compiled a 2023 annual report, filled with key milestones and stories of impact.
This year:
- We were thrilled to distribute $2 million to our 31 Catalyze Fund grantee partners, who are working relentlessly to help those affected by the criminal justice system, shift attitudes on mental health, disrupt anti-refugee policies, and other vital efforts.
- Our first cohort of Pillars Artist Fellows graduated from our program for Muslim directors and screenwriters and are already joining prestigious writers’ rooms, selling their work to major companies, and winning awards at competitive festivals. We opened up applications for our fellowship this year and are excited to announce our next cohort in 2024.
- We gathered our fellows, grantee partners, staff, and supporters for the first time since the pandemic, connecting in Atlanta for a national convening filled with inspiration and learning.
As we encounter the inevitable challenges ahead of us, I’m filled with gratitude that our community is here to carry and sustain us. And I’m honored that the work at Pillars is helping us move toward the collective liberation we strive for.