There’s a lot of misinformation out there about single-member LLCs – especially the myth that they face double taxation. Let’s clear that up and explore why forming an LLC can be a game-changer for sole proprietors.
What Is a Single-Member LLC?
A single-member LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a business structure with one owner. It combines the simplicity of a sole proprietorship with the legal protections of an LLC. For tax purposes, the IRS treats it as a disregarded entity, meaning all income and expenses flow through to your personal tax return.
Myth Busting: Double Taxation
Unlike corporations, single-member LLCs do not pay corporate taxes. Instead:
All business income is reported on your Schedule C as part of your personal tax return.
You pay self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare) just like a sole proprietor. No separate corporate tax layer. No double taxation.
Why Sole Proprietors Should Consider an LLC
✅ Privacy Protection An LLC allows you to use an EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead of your Social Security Number on W-9 forms and business documents. This reduces identity theft risk and keeps your personal info private.
✅ Liability Shield An LLC creates a legal separation between your personal assets and business liabilities. While it’s not absolute protection, it’s a critical safeguard if your business faces lawsuits or debts.
✅ Professional Credibility Operating as an LLC signals legitimacy to clients, vendors, and partners. It can open doors to contracts and opportunities that require a formal business entity.
✅ Tax Simplicity You keep the same tax flow-through as a sole proprietor – no complicated corporate filings – while gaining the benefits of an LLC structure.
Bottom Line
If you’re a sole proprietor looking for privacy, protection, and professionalism, a single-member LLC is worth considering. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference for your business.
Ready to learn more? Visit wisdom-born-consulting.com for resources and guidance on setting up your LLC.
When we speak of abstract art as a language of freedom, few voices resonate as powerfully as Alma Thomas. Her vibrant color fields and rhythmic patterns transformed nature into a symphony of joy and transcendence. For me, her work was not just an influence – it was a catalyst for creating Primal Elemental Abstraction (PEA), a philosophy and method that seeks to channel the raw forces of creation through instinctive, organic expression.
Alma Thomas: A Legacy of Color and Rhythm
Alma Thomas broke barriers as an African American woman in the mid-20th century art world, redefining abstraction through her signature mosaic-like brushstrokes. Her paintings were inspired by gardens, sunlight, and the infinite beauty of nature. She believed that art should uplift the human spirit – a belief that echoes deeply in the foundation of PEA.
Thomas’s approach was rooted in harmony and repetition, using color as a universal language. Her work reminds us that abstraction is not chaos; it is order born from intuition, a dance between structure and spontaneity.
From Gardens to Elements: The Bridge to PEA
Where Alma Thomas found inspiration in the patterns of flowers and foliage, Primal Elemental Abstraction turns to the elemental forces – earth, water, fire, and air – as primal sources of energy. Both approaches share a reverence for nature, but PEA expands the dialogue into a cosmic dimension, exploring how these forces shape existence and identity.
PEA is not about rigid geometry or predictable repetition. It is about surrendering to instinct, allowing brushstrokes to mimic the flow of rivers, the surge of flames, the whisper of wind. In this way, PEA honors Thomas’s celebration of organic beauty while forging a new path toward elemental resonance.
A Continuum of Black Abstract Innovation
Alma Thomas opened doors for Black artists in abstraction, proving that cultural identity and modernist aesthetics can coexist. PEA continues this lineage, weaving Afrocentric and Afro-Futuristic narratives into its visual language. It is a reclamation of abstraction as a space for ancestral memory, spiritual depth, and cosmic imagination.
Why Alma Thomas Matters to PEA
Her work taught me that abstraction is not an escape – it is a return. A return to the essence of life, to the rhythms that pulse beneath the surface of reality. Alma Thomas showed that color can heal, that pattern can speak, and that art can be both deeply personal and universally resonant. PEA carries that torch forward, illuminating new realms where primal energy meets artistic freedom.
When I began writing The Ledger and the Crown, I wanted a universe that could sing. Not just with plot and spectacle, but with a deep structure – a cosmology that organizes sound, light, ethics, and collective memory into a living system. Ancient Khemetic (Egyptian) cosmology offered exactly that: a way of seeing creation as balance, rhythm, and elemental force. In my practice as an abstract artist, I call it Primal Elemental Abstraction (PEA). In my fiction, it becomes the heart of a civilization built on resonance, transparency, and communal will.
Why Khemetic Cosmology?
Khemetic cosmology understands creation as an ongoing act of harmonizing opposites – order emerging from primordial waters, balance as a lived ethic, and energy as song. This is more than myth; it’s an organizing principle. In The Ledger and the Crown, you’ll see it articulated through:
Ma’at (Order, Balance, Truth): The “transparency covenant” of Waystation Prime echoes Ma’at – truth as governance, harmony as infrastructure, accountability as energy.
Nun (Primordial Waters): The idea of the Unbroken Chord begins here – creation rising out of a formless field like a note emerging from silence.
Ka (Vital Force) & Resonance: Movement stewards in Chapter One guide the crowd’s energy; bodies become instruments; the station itself hums at C-sharp – all of it expresses vitality as frequency and community as chorus.
By rooting the series in Khemetic thought, I’m not borrowing aesthetics – I’m building systems. Systems where culture is the technology, ethics power the grid, and ritual becomes public policy.
How This Fits Afrofuturism
Afrofuturism isn’t escapism; it’s continuum. It insists that African-diasporic memory and philosophy are engines of innovation. In this frame, ancient cosmology is not “pre-modern” – it’s meta-modern, capable of informing how we design cities, networks, and narratives:
Memory as Infrastructure: The public Ledger in the story functions like a communal archive – history that powers present choices.
Harmony as Governance: The Festival of the Dual Suns isn’t entertainment – it’s a living audit, a public rehearsal of togetherness.
Dissonance as Catalyst: When a hostile signal introduces a B‑flat outside the chord, the society responds not with panic but with resolve. Afrofuturism asks: What tools does a culture have when harmony fails? The answer: ritual, rhythm, and community action.
By integrating Khemetic cosmology into Afrofuturistic sci-fi, The Ledger and the Crown asserts a future where ancestral knowledge is not erased – it is amplified.
Why the AmaZulu People Matter in This Vision
The AmaZulu are not just a cultural reference – they represent resilience, sovereignty, and a living philosophy of communal strength. By weaving AmaZulu heritage into The Ledger and the Crown, I affirm that Afrofuturism is not a monolith but a constellation of African identities, each contributing unique epistemologies to the future.
Resonance with Khemetic Thought: Both Khemetic and AmaZulu cosmologies emphasize balance, ancestry, and the sacredness of communal will. Where Ma’at speaks of harmony, AmaZulu traditions speak of ubuntu – “I am because we are.” This principle becomes a structural ethic in my series: governance as interdependence, technology as a tool for collective thriving.
Narrative Implications: AmaZulu influence shapes character arcs and societal frameworks in the story. Rituals of breath and song echo ubuntu’s relational ontology, while the defense against dissonance reflects a warrior ethos – protection of the whole through disciplined unity.
Artistic Bridge to PEA: In my Primal Elemental Abstraction style, AmaZulu philosophy informs the earth element – grounding, rootedness, and ancestral continuity. It appears in textured layers, rhythmic patterns, and chromatic choices that evoke soil, shield, and lineage.
Including AmaZulu heritage is a deliberate act of cultural sovereignty. It resists flattening African identity into a single narrative and instead celebrates multiplicity – because the future we imagine must be as diverse and interconnected as the past we inherit.
The Bridge to Primal Elemental Abstraction (PEA)
PEA is my art philosophy and method – a commitment to the elemental forces (earth, water, fire, air) as structural languages rather than decorative motifs. It rejects rigid grids for organic flow. It celebrates texture, rhythm, and emotional resonance. Here’s how PEA maps to the series:
Water (Flow & Origin): The sync in Chapter One is a tidal act; breath moves like currents; voices join like confluence.
Earth (Weight & Foundation): The keystone lattice and the station’s hum are grounding forces; ritual drums function like tectonics.
Fire (Signal & Transformation): A clear G note ignites the chord – then the dissonant B‑flat tests the system’s integrity.
Air (Breath & Clarity): Oath‑breath signatures turn respiration into record – air becomes archive.
In both painting and prose, I’m composing with frequency and form. PEA’s visual language becomes the series’ sonic architecture. The same instincts that guide my brushstrokes – pressure, release, counterpoint – guide the worldbuilding and the way scenes “breathe.”
Methodology: From Studio to Storyworld
My process across mediums follows a shared methodology:
Sensing the Field: I begin with a hum – what I call the carrier tone – the foundational frequency of a piece or chapter. In a painting, it’s the underpainting wash; in writing, it’s the motif (e.g., transparency, resonance, breath).
Composing the Chord: I layer elements in counterpoint – color against texture, rhythm against silence, character agency against communal will.
Testing the System: I introduce dissonance deliberately (scratches, unexpected harmonics, narrative fractures) to surface the work’s truth. What survives is the Unbroken Chord – not perfection, but a stronger harmony forged through tension.
Public Ritual: I design for engagement – paintings that read like ceremonies; chapters that operate as civic rehearsals. Art and story become spaces where audiences practice balance, witness truth, and breathe together.
Kwanzaa Preview, Past Exhibitions & Upcoming Installations
Kwanzaa 2025: I’ll release the Chapter One preview and a mythic Book of Origins excerpt for The Ledger and the Crown. Expect ritual, resonance, and the first fracture that tests the Unbroken Chord.
Shifting Seasons (JCAL, through Dec 7, 2025): Works from Abstract in Color: Voices on Canvas and Art Is Life explore PEA’s elemental dialogues.
New Installations: Watch for a PEA-informed, multisensory installation concept that translates the series’ cosmology into space, sound, and light.
Call to Action
Join the Chorus: Support the series and the art via the new GiveButterfundraiser. Donations help produce the Kwanzaa preview, studio time for the PEA collection, and the installation prototype.
Subscribe: Get early access to chapters, studio notes, and behind-the-scenes process breakdowns.
Collect: Explore one-of-a-kind PEA originals – no prints, just paint – each piece a portal into the cosmology.
The world of art is often divided into strict categories. There are realists and surrealists, impressionists and modernists. But sometimes, creativity demands a lane of its own. It requires a philosophy that breaks away from rigid structures and returns to the source of all expression. This is why I created the manifesto for Primal Elemental Abstraction.
This wasn’t just about defining a new visual style. It was about codifying a mindset. I needed a declaration that honors the raw, instinctive forces of creation while embracing the freedom of modern abstraction.
Returning to the Source
At its heart, Primal Elemental Abstraction is a return to origin. In a digital age where art can feel disconnected or overly curated, this philosophy seeks to reconnect us with the visceral urge to create. I wrote this manifesto to articulate a simple but powerful truth: Art is not a luxury; it is a primal necessity.
We often treat creativity as a hobby or a commercial product. But deep down, it is the language of our origins. It is how early humans made sense of the stars and the seasons. By formalizing this approach into a manifesto, I wanted to remind artists and viewers that every stroke begins with instinct. Before we worry about technique or trends, there is that spark – the primal urge to bring something new into existence.
The Elemental Framework
One of the main reasons for this manifesto was to establish a vocabulary for this style. I needed a way to talk about the energy within the work. The manifesto grounds this style in four elemental principles:
Earth: Stability, texture, and grounding forces.
Fire: Passion, transformation, and explosive energy.
Water: Flow, emotion, and adaptability.
Air: Movement, breath, and open space.
These aren’t just artistic themes; they are metaphors for the creative process itself. When we paint with “fire,” we are channeling transformation. When we utilize “water,” we are embracing the flow of emotion. The manifesto serves as a guide for using these elements not just as visual tools, but as emotional anchors.
A Dialogue Between Instinct and Intellect
A core reason for this manifesto was to bridge the gap between two often opposing forces: chaos and order.
Abstract art can sometimes feel chaotic to the viewer. Conversely, academic art can feel too rigid and intellectual. Primal Elemental Abstraction sits in the middle. It is a dialogue between instinct and intellect.
The manifesto outlines this balance. It encourages the “Intuitive Process,” where spontaneity meets deliberate refinement. I start with the raw, chaotic energy of creation (Instinct) and refine it through the lens of composition and balance (Intellect). This manifesto explains that structure is a tool, not a cage. It gives artists permission to be wild in their expression while maintaining a cohesive visual language.
The Guiding Principles
To ensure this philosophy wasn’t just abstract theory, the manifesto lays out specific guiding principles. These pillars support the entire movement:
Return to Origin: Acknowledging that the urge to create precedes technique.
Elemental Truths: Using earth, fire, water, and air as guides for form and color.
Freedom Over Conformity: Rejecting rigid systems in favor of organic movement.
Dialogue Between Forces: Balancing chaos and order.
Creation as Evolution: Viewing abstraction as a return to essence, not an escape from reality.
By writing these down, my goal is to transform a personal artistic habit into a shared methodology. It allows others to step into this space and experiment with these same tools.
Fostering a Movement
Ultimately, the creation of this manifesto creates an invitation. Primal Elemental Abstraction is more than a solo endeavor; it is a movement.
I am inviting viewers to stop looking at art as a static object on a wall. Instead, I want them to engage with it as a living process. When you look at a piece created under this philosophy, you are seeing a frozen moment of energy – a snapshot of the dialogue between the artist and the elements.
This manifesto is the roadmap. It connects ancestral energy – that ancient human need to make a mark – with modern interpretation. It validates the feeling that art should be felt before it is understood.
I created the Primal Elemental Abstraction manifesto to give a voice to the unseen. It stands as a testament to the power of raw creativity and the enduring relevance of the elements that shape our world. Whether you are an artist looking to break free from rigid constraints or a viewer seeking deeper connection, this philosophy offers a path back to the source. It is time to let instinct lead the way.
When I began writing The Ledger and the Crown: Book One – Where the Sky Began, I knew it would be more than a story. It would be a creative universe—a space where literature and visual art converge to explore themes of harmony, disruption, and elemental power.
The Philosophy Behind Primal Elemental Abstraction
Primal Elemental Abstraction (PEA) is my signature art approach, rooted in the raw forces that shape existence: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. These elements are not depicted literally but expressed through bold strokes, layered textures, and dynamic contrasts. Each piece becomes a visual symphony of movement and tension, echoing the same principles that guide the narrative of The Ledger and the Crown.
Cosmic Echoes: A Reflection of Story and Element
Cosmic Echoes featured in the Planetary Realms Group Exhibition @ Brooklyn Art Cave September 2025
The Cosmic Echoes set from my PEA collection perfectly embodies this philosophy.
Earth emerges in grounded tones and structured forms, symbolizing stability.
Water flows through sweeping curves, representing adaptability and rhythm.
Fire ignites in vibrant choral, radiating energy and transformation.
Air cuts through with sharp, angular shapes, evoking freedom and expansion.
These visual elements mirror the saga’s central themes: the pursuit of balance, the inevitability of disruption, and the collective will to create harmony in a fractured universe.
Excerpt from Chapter One: The Sync and the Fracture
“The Unbroken Chord is more than a song. It is a collective act of will.” Queen WisdomBorn’s voice carried through the Grand Concourse of Waystation Prime, where ten million souls gathered in anticipation. The Festival of the Dual Suns was meant to be a celebration of harmony—a ritual that aligned their civilization’s heartbeat with the Ledger’s eternal song. But as her keynote soared into the vaulted chamber, a flaw emerged: a dissonant frequency, faint yet growing, threatening the foundation of their reality. In that moment, tradition offered no protocol. Perfect harmony was a myth. Leadership was improvisation. And the countdown had begun: T-MINUS 24:00:00 until the Relay’s collapse.
Why This Connection Matters
Both the book and the artwork invite you to experience a dialogue between mediums. The story’s Afro-futuristic lens and nonviolent space opera aesthetic resonate with the abstract language of PEA, creating a multidimensional experience for readers and art lovers alike.
This Kwanzaa, imagination takes flight. We are thrilled to announce that the Chapter One Preview of The Ledger and the Crown – Book One: Where the Sky Began will be released during Kwanzaa 2025.
This Afro-Futuristic, nonviolent space opera invites readers to explore a universe where heritage and harmony shape the future. It’s a story of cosmic beginnings, cultural resilience, and the power of creativity—a perfect way to honor the principles of Kuumba (Creativity) and Nia (Purpose) during this season of reflection and celebration.
Why Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate African heritage, unity, and creativity. Releasing this preview during Kwanzaa is more than a date – it’s a statement of purpose. The Ledger and the Crown series imagine futures where culture thrives among the stars, and this first chapter is your invitation to join that journey.
What to Expect:
A richly imagined world beyond Earth
Nonviolent storytelling that centers cooperation and hope
Afro-Futuristic aesthetics woven into every detail
Mark Your Calendar:
📅 Release Date: December 26, 2025 🔥 Countdown begins December 16!
Stay connected for teasers, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive content leading up to the launch. 👉 Subscribe to Updates Ledger and the Crown Sign Up Page
What if truth was a public utility, as reliable and accessible as gravity? What if every action, from a whispered promise to the launch of a starship, was recorded in an incorruptible, universal song? This is the foundation of The Ledger and the Crown, a universe where reality is woven from music, and society is built on the principle of absolute transparency.
For a story so deeply rooted in its own physics and philosophy, the world itself is a character. To give you a glimpse into this intricate setting, we’ve opened up our internal worldbuilding notes. This is more than just a behind-the-scenes peek; it’s an invitation. In a universe governed by a Transparency Covenant, it felt right to share the creative process with the community that will soon call this world home.
Below is a presentation that dives into the core concepts of the series. It’s a spoiler-light tour designed to introduce you to the symphony of existence, the technology that carries it, and the stakes that threaten to bring it all to a final, silent chord.
A slide deck presentation for “The Ledger and the Crown,” with slides showcasing concept art of a futuristic city, technological schematics, and character illustrations.
Highlights from the World Notes
The deck covers a lot of ground, but a few core pillars define life within the Relay. Here are some of the key ideas you’ll encounter.
The Choir and Resonance
Everything in the universe emerges from the Choir, a set of eight fundamental frequencies that sing reality into existence. The act of interacting with these frequencies is called Resonance. It is not magic but a form of metaphysical physics. Adepts can learn to perceive, shape, and even create with these harmonies. But every act creates a subtle echo, a form of cosmic feedback known as Dissonance Debt, which must be balanced to prevent the universe’s song from souring.
The Ledger and The Relay
The entire history of civilization is recorded in The Ledger, a public and permanent chronicle broadcast across the galaxy by The Relay. Every significant action is a “Note” in the song of history. This system ensures a society built on accountability, as no truth can ever be truly hidden. The Relay network, anchored by planet-sized Lodestones, not only carries The Ledger but also holds open the very fabric of space for interstellar travel.
Culture and Ritual
In a world made of music, culture is expressed through rhythm and harmony. Two key orders embody this: the Beatkeepers, who serve as the metronomes of society, maintaining the cadence of daily life with resonant staffs; and the Archivists, who protect and interpret the great song of The Ledger. The most important cultural event is the Festival of the Dual Suns, a system-wide celebration where millions join their voices to reinforce the harmony of the network.
Technology and Travel
Travel between stars is possible through Corridors, stable tunnels through spacetime held open by the Relay’s continuous song. These pathways connect massive orbital habitats called Waystations, the bustling hubs of interstellar life. The technology that powers these stations, from life support to defensive systems, is managed through a Keystone Lattice – a master energy grid that functions like the fretboard of a cosmic instrument, allowing engineers to channel and modulate specific frequencies with precision.
Governance and Justice
The foundation of law is the Transparency Covenant, the societal agreement to live as if all actions are public because, through the Ledger, they are. Justice is not punitive but restorative. A person who creates significant dissonance must perform acts of harmony to pay their debt in a process called Restitution. This principle, along with that of Resonant Consent – the law forbidding the manipulation of another’s personal energy without permission – guides the moral compass of the civilization.
A Song Under Threat
For generations, this system has maintained a delicate peace. But what happens when a force emerges that can manipulate the truth? Or worse, a power that seeks not just to introduce dissonance, but to silence the Choir itself? The harmony of millennia is faltering, Corridors are becoming unstable, and the song of history faces a threat of corruption that could unravel reality itself. The Unbroken Chord – the ideal state of perfect harmony – has never felt further away.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few quick answers to help you tune into the story.
What’s the best reading order? The Ledger and the Crown is a new series. You can start right at the beginning with Book One! The best way to get notified when it drops is by joining our newsletter.
What genres does this series blend? It’s primarily a space opera with heavy Afrofuturist influences, blending high-concept science fiction with deep philosophical questions about community, truth, and power. If you enjoy the worldbuilding of Dune, the cultural depth of Black Panther, and the societal stakes of Foundation, you’ll find something to love here.
How much violence or mature content is there? The story focuses on political, ethical, and metaphysical conflict. While there are moments of action and high-stakes tension, the narrative prioritizes strategy and thematic depth over graphic violence. The core conflicts are often battles of wills, ideals, and resonant power.
Who will enjoy this series? This story is for readers who love immersive worlds, intricate systems of “magic” (in our case, resonance), and character-driven stories that explore big ideas. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered what a truly transparent society might look like and the price required to maintain it.
Your Journey Begins Now
The universe of The Ledger and the Crown is vast, and the story is just beginning. You can step into this world today.
Be the first to hear new lore, see cover reveals, and get launch-day alerts. Join the Chorus
By: Natisha Jordan aka Benu Ma’at | Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC
The opening reception of the Shifting Seasons Group Exhibition was more than an art event—it was a moment of transformation. Standing beside my vibrant works—Waves of Emotion, Floral Blaze, Shadow Dance, and Rhythm of Shadows—I wore a black and grey turtleneck sweater with black dress pants. My attire was intentional: a visual representation of the grounded professionalism of Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC, and a quiet contrast to the expressive energy of my paintings.
This exhibition marked the public debut of Wisdom Born Designs, the artistic arm of my company. Through this platform, I explore the power of abstract art to tell stories, evoke emotion, and foster healing. Each brushstroke is a reflection of lived experience, cultural memory, and the resilience of communities often overlooked.
But this moment was also deeply personal. For the first time, I stood fully in my truth—not just as a consultant, strategist, or advocate—but as an artist. Owning my identity as an artist means embracing the vulnerability, the vision, and the voice that art demands. It means honoring the creative force that has always been within me, even when it was quiet, waiting for the right time to speak.
The reception was a celebration of transformation. I connected with fellow artists, community members, and supporters who resonated with the themes of movement, emotion, and identity woven into my work. The conversations sparked that night affirmed the importance of integrating art into our broader efforts for social change, education, and community empowerment.
As someone deeply rooted in equity and justice, I’ve long believed that art is a tool for liberation. Through Wisdom Born Designs, I’m committed to creating spaces where creativity and advocacy intersect—where color and canvas become catalysts for dialogue, healing, and action.
Highlights for the Shifting Seasons Opening Night Reception at JCAL, Queens NYC
🗓️ Visit the Exhibition
The Shifting Seasons Group Exhibition is still open to the public through November 28, 2025, at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning. If you haven’t had a chance to experience the show, I invite you to visit and immerse yourself in the vibrant expressions of transformation and resilience.
📍 Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning 📅 Now through November 28, 2025 🎨 Featuring works from the Abstract in Color: Voices on Canvas and Art Is Life collections
✨ Let’s Stay Connected
Follow the journey of Wisdom Born Designs and explore how art and consulting can work together to uplift communities.
Earlier this month, I had the honor of being interviewed by the Global Podcast Network, where I shared the heart and soul behind Wisdom Born Consulting, LLC – a company born from my desire to serve, uplift, and empower communities.
This wasn’t just an interview – it was a moment of reflection. A chance to speak openly about the path that led me here, the values that guide my work, and the deep personal motivation that fuels everything I do.
From my early days as a student organizer to launching Wisdom Born Consulting, I’ve come to see grant writing not just as a technical skill, but as a powerful tool for advocacy, activism, and healing.
During the interview, I spoke about the heart of my work – the grant writing and strategic consulting, but more importantly, I shared why I do this work.
“I look at my son and he inspires me and motivates me to do my part to help bring positive changes to our communities – and to do so without going against my values and principles. This work can be accomplished and grounded in integrity.”
That quote captures the essence of what Wisdom Born Consulting is all about. It’s not just a business – it’s a calling. It’s a platform for building bridges, amplifying voices, and creating pathways for healing and transformation.
I’m grateful to the Global Podcast Network for the opportunity to share my story and for recognizing the importance of community-rooted work. I invite you to listen to the full interview below and learn more about the mission that drives me every day.
🔊 Listen to the Interview
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to build, uplift, and transform – together.
Are you a youth-centered organization working at the intersection of environmental justice, food sovereignty, and community empowerment? The Cedar Tree Foundation invites you to apply for its Rooted in Justice Program, a grant initiative designed to uplift youth-led and youth-serving efforts that advance environmental and food justice across the U.S.
🟢 About the Program
The Rooted in Justice Program supports grassroots organizations that center youth leadership in environmental and food justice work. Grants are typically $25,000 per year for up to two years, with additional capacity-building support available.
🔍 Who Can Apply
This year, eligible applicants must be located in one or more of the following states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
Additional eligibility criteria:
Organizations of any size may apply, but preference is given to those with budgets under $800,000.
Programs must be already established. RIJ funds cannot be used to start new programs or pilot new work.
Applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofits or fiscally sponsored projects.
Must work directly with youth ages 14–24 in environmental or food justice.
Must prioritize BIPOC youth leadership and community-rooted approaches.
RIJ funds cannot be used for:
Individuals
Lobbying or partisan political activity
Re-granting programs
Organizations with a religious affiliation or mission
New or pilot programs
For-profit organizations
📅 Deadline
Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) will be accepted through Thursday, October 2nd, 2025.
🌟 What They Fund
The Foundation prioritizes:
Youth-led urban agriculture and food justice programs
Environmental education and leadership development
Community-based initiatives that build power and resilience
📬 How to Apply
Visit the Rooted in Justice Grants page to learn more about eligibility, past grantees, and the application process. The Foundation encourages applications from BIPOC-led organizations and those working in historically underfunded communities.
💡 Why It Matters
This grant opportunity is a powerful resource for organizations nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and justice advocates. If your work aligns with these values, don’t miss the chance to apply and grow your impact.
