The Nigerian Center, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting immigrants from Black-majority countries, has secured a $40,000 grant from the Meyer Foundation. This funding aims to advance immigrant justice, legal assistance, and economic empowerment for Nigerian immigrants and other Black diaspora communities in the United States.
The grant will enhance the Center’s walk-in legal aid program, provide resources for financial inclusion, and strengthen its core operations. It will also support the Washington Prosperity Campaign, a flagship initiative designed to uplift the contributions of immigrants across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
“Partnering with the Meyer Foundation allows us to deepen our mission of breaking systemic barriers that hinder immigrant communities,” said Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center.
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Championing Equity Through Community Programs
The Nigerian Center plays a key role in ensuring that immigrant families are equipped to thrive in the U.S. through:
- Legal support for immigration issues
- Financial services and homeownership guidance
- Entrepreneurship and workforce development
- Policy Advocacy
- Cultural and educational programming
At the heart of this new funding effort is the Washington Prosperity Campaign, which aims to reshape public discourse on immigration by celebrating the vital role immigrants play as business owners, civic leaders, and contributors to regional development.
The campaign also works to promote inclusive policies and amplify immigrant voices through storytelling, civic engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Shared Mission for Systemic Change
Ogunjimi highlighted that the Meyer Foundation’s commitment to inclusive regional development aligns deeply with the Center’s mission. By working together, both organizations seek to tackle entrenched obstacles that impact immigrant access to legal resources, financial tools, and upward mobility.
Founded in 1944 by Eugene Meyer, publisher of the Washington Post, and Agnes E. Meyer, author and activist, the Meyer Foundation supports initiatives that help economically marginalized communities across Greater Washington build prosperous lives.
This grant serves as a strategic investment in the Nigerian Center’s long-term goal of creating a just and equitable society for all immigrants, especially those who have historically been underserved.
