2026 AEGIS Catalyst Grant Cycle Opens
Applications accepted through August 1 for resident-led projects up to $25,000.
AEGIS INITIATIVE GLOBAL FOUNDATION
Protecting communities through global stewardship
We deploy humanitarian aid, education, health access, and governance support — building resilient neighborhoods from Sacramento to communities worldwide.
$4.2MGlobal Investment
62Active Programs
18K+Lives Protected
134Partner Organizations
11Service Regions
Our Mission
A shield of protection for every community
AEGIS INITIATIVE GLOBAL FOUNDATION catalyzes equitable aid, learning, health access, and civic resilience across Sacramento and partner regions worldwide.
We believe strong governance and compassionate action create lasting safety nets — connecting residents, nonprofits, and institutions to resources that protect, educate, and empower.
Core Values
Four pillars of the AEGIS shield
Protection
Deploy aid and safety resources to families facing displacement, health crises, and educational barriers.
Partnership
Co-design programs with residents, clinics, schools, and civic leaders — never for communities, always with them.
Transparency
Publish grant criteria, board decisions, and impact data so stakeholders trust every dollar invested.
Stewardship
Build initiatives designed to thrive beyond initial funding cycles across every region we serve.
About AEGIS
A Sacramento foundation rooted in global protection
Founded by civic and humanitarian leaders who saw strength in every neighborhood, AEGIS has grown into a trusted anchor for equitable philanthropy across California and international partner communities.
From our Sacramento headquarters on Howe Avenue, we coordinate grants, fellowships, and aid networks that strengthen health pathways, educational opportunity, and community resilience throughout the Central Valley and beyond.
Our Journey
Milestones of the AEGIS Initiative
- 2015AEGIS incorporated as a California nonprofit focused on Sacramento community protection and aid.
- 2018First global grant cycle distributes $420K to eight partner organizations across three continents.
- 2021Emergency resilience fund supports 2,400 families during regional crises across Central Valley communities.
- 2024Global Fellowship launches with 24 emerging humanitarian leaders from Sacramento and partner cities.
- 2026$4.2M cumulative investment across 62 programs in eleven service regions worldwide.
Leadership
Stewards of global community protection
TIANNA LACHAE PORTER
Executive DirectorLeads strategic vision, grantmaking, and global partnerships from Sacramento headquarters.
Marcus Okoye
Program DirectorOversees aid, education, and health initiative portfolios across all regions.
Sarah Chen
Community EngagementBuilds resident advisory councils and partner organization networks.
Strategic Plan
2024–2028 priorities for global protection
Expand humanitarian aid hubs, emergency response networks, and bilingual health navigation across Sacramento and partner regions.
Scale cradle-to-career pathways with school partnerships, literacy programs, and scholarship funds for underserved students globally.
Strengthen governance frameworks with transparency tools, board training, and civic engagement pipelines for partner communities.
Grant Programs
Funding that shields communities in need
AEGIS Catalyst Grants
Up to $25,000 for resident-led projects in aid, safety, and civic engagement.
Capacity Building Fund
Multi-year support for emerging nonprofits serving Sacramento and global partner communities.
Health & Learning Pool
Matching grants for clinics, tutoring centers, and cooperative workspace renovations.
Community Development
Resident-led growth across Sacramento
AEGIS embeds community organizers in neighborhoods throughout the Central Valley, supporting resident councils, safety initiatives, and public-space activation.
From Midtown Sacramento to suburban corridors along Howe Avenue, we fund listening sessions, participatory budgeting pilots, and cross-cultural bridge-building.
Humanitarian Aid
Rapid response when communities need protection
Our aid initiatives deliver food security, emergency shelter, medical supplies, and relocation support — treating humanitarian response as a community responsibility.
Mobile aid distribution, disaster preparedness training, and family resilience workshops reach 4,100 households annually across Sacramento and global partner regions.
Education
Learning pathways from cradle to career
Early Literacy
Book distributions and parent workshops in Sacramento Unified School District elementary schools.
STEM & Coding
After-school labs at community centers serving Sacramento youth and global partner cities.
College Access
Scholarships, FAFSA navigation, and campus visit stipends for first-generation students.
Health Access
Healthy bodies, protected neighborhoods
Mobile Clinics
Free screenings and vaccinations in underserved Sacramento zip codes and partner regions.
Mental Health Navigation
Bilingual counselors connecting families to Medi-Cal and community therapists.
Nutrition & Food Security
Community gardens, food pantries, and senior meal delivery programs.
Community Resilience
Building capacity before crisis strikes
Resilience is not reactive — it is the foundation of every community we protect. AEGIS invests in preparedness so neighborhoods can withstand and recover from adversity.
Youth Empowerment
The next generation of global stewards
From middle-school mentorship to youth council stipends, AEGIS invests in Sacramento teens as co-designers of their neighborhoods' future.
Programs include paid internships at local nonprofits, civic leadership academies, and college-bound coaching across Sacramento area high schools.
Regional Reach
Sacramento partnerships with global impact
While Sacramento remains our headquarters, AEGIS collaborates with foundations and municipalities across the Central Valley, Bay Area, and international partner communities.
Regional initiatives include shared aid research, cross-border volunteer pipelines, and disaster-relief coordination for flood-prone and drought-affected neighborhoods.
Impact Metrics
Measuring what matters in community protection
94%Grantee Satisfaction
3.1xLeveraged Funding
83%Programs Sustained
16Outcome Indicators
Annual Review
2025 year in global protection
Last fiscal year, AEGIS distributed $1.1M in grants, launched four new aid hubs, and expanded our fellowship cohort to 24 emerging leaders.
Download our full annual report for audited financials, grantee outcomes, and board governance summaries.
Download Report
Impact Stories
Voices from the communities we protect
"AEGIS aid navigation helped my family access resources we had waited months to find."
— Elena R., Sacramento resident
"The college access program helped my daughter become the first in our family to attend UC Davis."
— James T., Sacramento parent
"Mobile clinic services gave our neighborhood access to care we never had before."
— Patricia M., Community Health Advocate
Partners
Collaborators across Sacramento and beyond
City of Sacramento
Parks, aid distribution, and civic engagement alignment.
Sacramento City USD
Education partnerships and youth program coordination.
UC Davis
Fellowship placements and service-learning pipelines.
Valley Community Clinic
Mobile health and wellness program delivery.
Governance
Accountable stewardship of global resources
AEGIS operates under a volunteer board of directors, independent audit committee, and conflict-of-interest policies aligned with California nonprofit best practices.
Our governance framework ensures resident voices inform grant priorities while maintaining fiduciary rigor and legal compliance across all program areas.
Board of Directors
Leaders committed to Sacramento and the world
Dr. Angela Reyes — Board Chair
Public health advocate and Sacramento resident. Chairs governance and audit committees.
David Park — Treasurer
CPA and small-business owner. Oversees financial reporting, endowment management, and investment policy.
Keisha Williams — Secretary
Attorney specializing in nonprofit law. Leads ethics and compliance review.
Robert Singh — Director
International development expert with 20 years serving global humanitarian organizations.
Rev. Michael Torres — Director
Faith-community liaison connecting AEGIS to congregations and mutual-aid networks.
Ethics & Compliance
Integrity in every grant and partnership
Conflict of Interest
Board and staff disclose financial interests annually. Recused members abstain from related grant decisions.
Whistleblower Policy
Anonymous reporting channels protect staff, grantees, and community members who raise concerns.
Grant Integrity
All awards follow published criteria with independent review panels including community representatives.
Data Privacy
Resident data collected through programs is protected under strict confidentiality and retention policies.
Transparency
Open books, protected communities
990Public Filings
100%Grant Criteria Published
AnnualIndependent Audit
LiveBoard Meeting Minutes
Form 990, audited financial statements, and board meeting minutes are available upon request and published on our resources page each fiscal year.
News
Latest from AEGIS
Global Fellowship Cohort Announced
24 emerging leaders selected for the 2026–2027 Humanitarian Stewardship Fellowship.
Sacramento Aid Hub Expansion
New distribution center on Howe Avenue doubles emergency response capacity.
Events
Gather with us in Sacramento
12Jun
Grant Info Session
Sacramento Community Center — 6:00 PM
28Jul
Global Aid Summit
California State Capitol — 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
15Sep
Annual Impact Celebration
Sacramento Convention Center
07Nov
Fellowship Showcase
UC Davis Campus
Resources
Tools for grantees and community partners
FAQ
Common questions
Who is eligible for AEGIS grants?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and resident-led initiatives serving Sacramento and global partner communities.
What is the typical grant size?
AEGIS Catalyst Grants range from $5,000–$25,000. Capacity Building and Health & Learning grants may reach $80,000 with matching requirements.
How often are grant cycles offered?
Major cycles open twice annually (spring and fall). Emergency and rapid-response funds are available year-round for qualifying crises.
Can individuals apply directly?
Individual scholarships and fellowship applications are accepted during designated windows. Most community grants require organizational sponsorship.
Fellowship Program
Developing global humanitarian stewards
Emerging Steward
6 Months
- $1,600 monthly stipend
- Mentorship pairing
- Community project seed fund
Sacramento Roots
Our city, our global commitment
Sacramento is California's capital and a vibrant gateway city in the Central Valley — where families, civic institutions, and diverse communities form the backbone of daily life.
AEGIS was born here and invests here: from Midtown to the Howe Avenue corridor, we fund the people and projects that keep this community strong, healthy, and protected.
Contact
Connect with AEGIS
AEGIS INITIATIVE GLOBAL FOUNDATION
1100 Howe Ave APT 375 Sacramento, CA, 95825-3431 United States
TIANNA LACHAE PORTER
Office
Visit us on Howe Avenue
Our suite at 1100 Howe Ave welcomes visitors by appointment Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm Pacific.
Located near Highway 50 with ample parking. Virtual office hours available for regional and international partners.
Gallery
Protection in action across our communities
Newsletter
Stay connected to global protection
Monthly updates on grants, aid events, fellowship opportunities, and Sacramento community stories.