AJC Receives Ford Foundation Grant for Intergroup Relations, Immigration Advocacy

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Nov 22, 2010, 04:11 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2010/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ford Foundation has awarded a grant of $500,000, the second in two years, to support AJC programs to strengthen intergroup relations in the United States and mobilize for comprehensive immigration reform.

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"We deeply appreciate the Ford Foundation's generous support for AJC's pioneering initiatives," said Ann Schaffer, director of AJC's Belfer Center for American Pluralism.

The new grant will enable AJC to expand its innovative Bridging America Project to four more communities – Atlanta, Colorado, New York and Washington, D.C. The project was launched last year in Arizona, Chicago, Houston and New Jersey.

"Our goal is to strengthen Latino-Jewish relationships and to advocate jointly for reform of our deeply flawed immigration system," said Schaffer, who is directing the Bridging America Project. "We need comprehensive reform so that it responds effectively to our nation's economic and security needs, and reflects America's fundamental commitment to democratic values and human rights."

AJC also is planning to host in Washington, D.C., in 2011 a conference on immigration reform. Alumni of the Bridging America Project will meet with policy analysts, journalists and demographers to explore issues, strengthen advocacy skills and reinforce their commitment to working for immigration reform in their communities and nationally.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee