Empowering Puerto Rico: The Julian Grace Foundation’s Model for Systemic Change

Puerto Rico’s environmental and social organizations have long faced daunting challenges, colonial policies, economic hardship, and government neglect. Yet, amid these complexities, the Julian Grace Foundation strives to provide necessary support, partnering with grassroots leaders to catalyze lasting change.

JGF’s impact is made visible in its partnerships with Corporación Piñones se Integra (COPI), La Maraña, and the Sierra Club de Puerto Rico. These organizations are deeply rooted in their communities, defending mangrove forests, local beaches, and transforming abandoned schools into vibrant centers for growth.

Partnerships That Fill the Gaps

Where local government has fallen short, JGF’s support has been transformative. Cynthia Burgos López, co-founder of La Maraña, powerfully states, “We’re basically doing the government’s job. We’re providing spaces for communities to thrive and grow. That’s the role of the state.” The lack of public support means nonprofits must seek external aid, and JGF’s involvement goes far beyond financial assistance.

For La Maraña, JGF’s collaboration enables the organization and its communities to conduct research, understand legal frameworks, and implement innovative solutions. “Implementing more technological tools will allow the communities themselves to research the land they wish to work on and the legal aspects of their projects,” Burgos López explains.

COPI, led by Maricruz Rivera Clemente, has fought for over two decades to protect Piñones’ natural resources and Loíza’s culture. JGF’s support has allowed COPI to continue its mission despite pressures from foreign investment and tourism-driven development, which often threaten local ecosystems and community well-being. Rivera Clemente shares, “I’ve always believed that working together leads to progress. Community work is difficult, and for many reasons… But we need financial resources.”

The Sierra Club de Puerto Rico, another JGF partner, is dedicated to protecting the island’s environment and promoting environmental justice. Their mission is to “make a difference in the air we breathe. In the water we drink. In the wildlife we protect. In the views we love. In the places we live. For the people we unite for,” with a special focus on community engagement.

Hopeful Solutions Rooted in Community

JGF’s philosophy is simple yet profound: real change begins with the community. La Maraña starts every project by asking, “What’s your dream?” With the answer being empowering residents to envision and work toward their own goals. JGF’s support helps turn these dreams into reality, transforming abandoned schools to community gardens that promote food sovereignty.

The work these organizations do demonstrates that environmental challenges in Puerto Rico are complex and deeply systemic. As Burgos López notes, “It’s a perfect scenario where several elements came together; among them: the colonial state, an extractive local government, a lack of knowledge and poor planning.” Rivera Clemente adds,

“Guaranteeing sovereignty doesn’t guarantee better care for Puerto Rico’s natural resources and communities. There must be a change of consciousness among the people and communities.”

A Model for Lasting Change

The Julian Grace Foundation’s impact in Puerto Rico is a testament to the power of strategic philanthropy and community-driven change. By supporting local leaders and organizations, JGF is helping to build a future where communities can thrive, natural resources are protected, and the cycle of neglect is broken. These PR organizations and their work stand as a hopeful model for how foundations can catalyze transformation in places facing systemic challenges.

To read more about the Julian Grace Foundation or this work, please visit juliangrace.org