Our Pillars
01
Respite
“Space to gather, reconnect, and recharge.”
Respite is a nature-based retreat and creative residency program designed to give activists, artists, social entrepreneurs, conservationists and community leaders the space and support they need to rest, strategize, create, and reconnect with their purpose. Drawing on the proven power of immersive environments, Respite bridges the gap between inspiration and implementation.
The program currently has access to four extraordinary properties: a lakefront estate on Candlewood Lake in New Milford, CT, and three properties at Abeni Estates in the Catskill Mountains- combining rustic farmhouse aesthetics with modern amenities. An additional Omi cabin rounds out a portfolio of diverse retreat environments.
Why This Matters
Burnout is one of the leading causes of attrition in social movements. Talented, committed leaders leave the work not because they stop caring, but because they have no space to renew their capacity. Studies show that periods of immersive, restorative rest and peer collaboration dramatically increase strategic clarity and long-term commitment among movement leaders. Respite exists to ensure the most important people in our movements stay in them.
02
Liberation Projects
“We illuminate and support the power of the people.”
The Liberation Project pillar is LPF’s core philanthropic mechanism as fiscal sponsor. It will seek strategic grants for artist collectives, community groups, and independent creators whose work advances liberation in its many forms. Some of our grant areas & focus are itemized below.
Land Acquisition & Defense:
Supporting land justice organizations and community land trusts in CA, NY, CT, WA, and NJ.
Programming & Capacity Building:
Operational grants for grassroots organizations in NY, NJ, CA, and Seattle.
Film & Narrative Change:
Development and production grants for films centering Women’s issues, LGBTQ+ stories, Black and Brown narratives, underrepresented voices, Music, and Sci-fi.
Criminal Justice Reform:
Supporting organizations working to end mass incarceration and reform the justice system
03
Cultural Programming & Narrative Change
“By intersecting art, culture, and politics, Liberated People helps create change in the world.”
LPF produces, curates, and supports cultural programming that uses storytelling, performance, fashion, film, capacity building, public events and fulfillment of employment initiatives as instruments of social and economic transformation. This pillar directly leverages the LP brand’s decade-long investment in culture and Gbenga Akinnagbe’s extraordinary access to the arts and entertainment industry.
