Lark Awards

I have learned that the journey is often more important than the destination - Lark Galloway-Gilliam

The Lark Awards support the collective care and renewal of staff at small community-centered organizations with deep roots in their Los Angeles communities.

Nonprofit staff often sacrifice their own well-being for their communities and are caught in a cycle of burnout and recovery. Many come from historically marginalized communities with limited access to time off and rest. This program offers the time and resources to pause, think deeply about collective care, and reimagine a more sustainable and just future.

The Lark Awards provide up to 15 nonprofit organizations with $30,000 each for the collective care of their staff. Each organization determines the best way to use and allocate the funds, such as staff-wide activities, individual uses, or both.

The program also includes a wellness coach for guidance and facilitation, and access to convenings for wellbeing check-ins and continued support.

Goals:

  • To offer small budget, community-centered nonprofits the resources to support the collective care and well-being of their staff
  • To recognize accomplished small nonprofit organizations, most often led by and working with historically marginalized communities, that are key community leaders
  • To promote a culture of collective care and address burnout in the nonprofit sector
Reflections from Past recipients

“As an organization, we made a conscious decision to utilize the support from the Lark Award for a work-free group retreat, with the intention of strengthening our bond, deepening our respect for one another, and cultivating a sense of love within our team. This retreat has had a transformative effect on our capacity to serve and make a meaningful difference. It provided us with a valuable opportunity to spend quality time together as a team with our families and allowed our staff to take a moment to slow down and find respite from the constant movement and demands that arise from the important work we do. It was a rare chance for us to recharge, rejuvenate, and reflect on our individual and collective well-being and the results have been remarkable. Since our return from the retreat, our staff has been working together more efficiently than ever before, and our work feels more rewarding and supported.”

– 2023 Lark Award Recipient

“One of the most important ways it impacted our understanding and experience of collective care is that it made us think more critically about what it means to us as an organization, and how we balance each person’s unique needs while creating a space to support everyone collectively. It is an ongoing exploration that we continue to this day.”

– 2024 Lark Award Recipient

“The agency we were given to decide to care for ourselves, went a LONG way. I felt empowered to take a trip and do what I know brings me relaxation and joy, so when I came back I felt good about the work I do and who I work for. When group and individual care are combined, it allows people to step into whatever care they need.”

– 2024 Lark Award Recipient

Lark Galloway-Gilliam

The award is named in honor of the late Lark Galloway-Gilliam. Lark was the founder and Executive Director of Community Health Councils, a recipient of the Durfee Sabbatical Award, and a beloved member of our community. She passed away in 2014, leaving behind a powerful legacy for improving health and environmental equity in South Los Angeles.

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