Newsletter
Carry it Forward, the RFC's newsletter, is published twice a year in March and September. Each edition describes grants made in the most recent granting cycle, as well as recent events and other RFC news. View the most recent issue of Carry it Forward below.
If you’d like to help spread the word about the RFC by distributing Carry it Forward at activist events, meetings of social justice organizations, or progressive businesses or other locations in your community, please let us know and we’d be happy to send you a supply. Contact the RFC office at info@rfc.org or (413) 529-0063.
This spring, the RFC reached a new, incredible milestone: we have now awarded over $9 million in grant support since our first modest grants in the spring of 1991. As a small organization, we are amazed and humbled by this number. We are so happy to be able to support so many incredible families around the country who are doing the critical, world-changing work of fighting for social justice.
Already this year the RFC has awarded over $230,000 to almost 200 children as four new families joined our community. Recent grants supported young activists from the Stop Cop City movement, as well as the children of racial justice and transgender rights advocates, leaders fighting for environmental rights and Indigenous sovereignty and many more.
Executive Director Jenn Meeropol and her father (RFC Founder) Robert Meeropol spent time going through RFC papers and mementoes to get organized and rediscovered some real treasures, like a beautiful crocheted blanket made by a political prisoner (pictured), and the letter that reads, "You should know that the RFC is the single most influential aspect of my childhood." These items, and so many others, are an important part of our history.
Sept 13th, Beneath the Mountain: An Anti-Prison Reader Book Release
At Forbes Library (Northampton, MA), featuring co-editors Mumia Abu-Jamal and Jennifer Black & other panelists, plus facilitation by RFC Exec. Director Jenn Meeropol. Program begins at 4:30pm, book signings start at 4pm (EDT). In-person & online.
Nov. 3rd, The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone Book Launch & RFC Fundraiser
At Belmont Books (Belmont, MA), featuring author Randy Susan Meyers. Program begins at 2:00pm (EDT). Proceeds from the event will be donated to the RFC.
In 2022, Rosenberg sons Robert and Michael Meeropol filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request of the National Security Agency (NSA) asking for declassification and release of the agency’s files relating to their mother, Ethel Rosenberg. Earlier this year, NSA personnel identified relevant documents and are currently reviewing them for possible declassification.
The RFC spent 18 months in 2023 and 2024 engaged in a strategic planning process. The resulting document identifies key goals, as well as strategies and resources, for the next five years of the RFC. Many thanks to our community members who reached out to provide feedback!
Our community has the power to justify Ethel and Julius' faith in continuing progressive activism by making a bequest to the RFC. Such a gift honors the Rosenbergs' legacy and ensures that we will be able to answer children’s cries for our aid in the future.