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Our Work
focus areas

At JBRF, we recognize that those closest to a situation can best identify how to meet and solve their needs. We have identified three key areas of philanthropic investment that keep us true to our foundations purpose:

Cancer Navigation

JBRF aims to reduce cancer mortality for Black women living East of the Anacostia River by advocating for a health care delivery system that provides racially just services. We do this by partnering with community-based organizations, cancer screening providers, and medical facilities to work toward strengthening their early-intervention and cancer navigation systems from screening to survivorship.

Workforce Development

JBRF’s objective is to create equitable pathways to enriching health-related careers that support upward mobility, meet the aspirations of Black women, create economic stability, and ensure family-sustaining wages. This is so that Black women East of the River will not only live and do well but thrive for generations to come.

Community Partnerships

JBRF works with community-based organizations and community members to identify both their most pressing needs and an authentic path for growth and improvement. This philanthropic approach produces mutual satisfaction, substantial stakeholder buy-in, and tangible results.

Black Women Thriving East of the River
Generations of Black women living East of the Anacostia River have been negatively impacted by inequitable health services and economic opportunities. The foundation created this initiative to shift power to those most directly affected by these issues and to center on the voices of those with lived expertise to develop equity-focused solutions. Because those with lived expertise understand their needs best, we assist in, rather than direct, the development of solutions to those needs, with the goal of improving their health and livelihood. We envision a future in which Black women living in Wards 7 and 8 thrive because they have equitable access to opportunities, resources, and effective treatments that lead to optimal health and economic success.
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RAcial Equity
Since the inception of this country, racial inequality has been the source of disparities that disproportionately affect the Black community, especially Black women. This has made it difficult for Black women to get proper medical treatments when needed, making them more likely to experience preventable mortality. Additionally, Black women historically have been discriminated against in the workforce, which has caused a lack of career development and has led to generational disadvantages. Our goal is to be a neutral convener that provides long-term resources to aid those most affected by discriminatory practices and policies East of the River so that they can drive change with actionable and impactful solutions.