Announcement of a New Beginning

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing community support, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced on Friday the relaunch of the Dream Keeper program. The initiative will open its doors to new proposals from nonprofit organizations seeking funding, marking a decisive break from past practices.

Increased Financial Oversight

The revamped Dream Keeper will implement enhanced financial scrutiny to ensure proper usage of funds, addressing concerns that had previously plagued the program. A dedicated evaluation panel will assess contracts to avoid conflicts of interest, along with standardized criteria for all agreements.

Funding and Community Impact

Over the next three years, the city plans to allocate up to $12 million annually for grant proposals. Dr. Jonathan Butler, president of the San Francisco NAACP chapter, emphasized the importance of these funds, stating, “I want the city to do right by those who are actually doing the good work, and not allow past mistakes to overshadow the many organizations doing great work in our community.”

Addressing Previous Scandals

The Dream Keeper program faced intense scrutiny following reports of mismanagement, including incidents involving former Human Rights Commission director Sheryl Davis and her ties with a nonprofit. After her resignation, it was revealed that Davis had utilized Dream Keeper resources for her son’s college tuition, exacerbating the scandal.

The fallout from these revelations resulted in a freeze on funding that affected various Black-led organizations providing crucial community services, leading to public outcry and demonstrations.

New Guidelines for Grant Proposals

With the new framework, grant funding will be reserved exclusively for nonprofits, with particular emphasis on programs serving San Francisco residents. The grants, which will depend on measured performance, aim to support organizations that historically lacked the infrastructure to manage large funds effectively.

Support Amidst National Challenges

The Dream Keeper funding arrives at a critical time when diversity and equity initiatives are under threat nationwide. Joi Jackson-Morgan, CEO of the 3rd Street Youth Center & Clinic, hailed the Mayor’s commitment, noting its importance in light of prevalent political pressures and San Francisco’s anticipated $840 million budget deficit.

Jackson-Morgan expressed gratitude for the renewed focus on community needs, stating, “I really thank Mayor Lurie for making this commitment and addressing the needs of the Black community, especially with what’s happening nationwide.”