The mission of ACANA is to help refugees, immigrant families, and all other residents of Philadelphia access legal, health, and other social services with a special focus on women, children, youth, and the elderly in their resettlement process in Pennsylvania. Additionally, ACANA is committed to fostering community development by driving structural change and transforming communities. They work to empower individuals, strengthen community infrastructure, and implement programs that lead to sustainable, long-term improvements in the quality of life for all residents. ACANA also produces and presents African cultural performances and recording artists to create an awareness of African arts and culture.
Grants Awarded
ACANA Digital Literacy and Wellness Project
- Year Awarded:
-
2026
- Grant Program:
-
Community Fund for Immigrant Wellness
- Grant Amount:
-
$30,000
African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) was funded to expand culturally responsive digital literacy and wellness programming for African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees in Southwest Philadelphia, helping participants build technology skills, access essential services, strengthen social connections, and participate more fully in their communities.
Promoting Community Resilience though education and empowerment
- Year Awarded:
-
2025
- Grant Program:
-
Community Fund for Immigrant Wellness
- Grant Amount:
-
$30,000
African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) received support for its efforts to serve African immigrant and refugee communities in Southwest Philadelphia through culturally responsive programming in health, legal services, housing, education, small business support, and the arts. The grant allowed ACANA to expand access to holistic services including mental health counseling, ESL classes, food assistance, and community cultural programming, while continuing development efforts connected to Africatown to foster equity, opportunity, and cultural preservation.
African Women Mental Health Literacy Project
- Year Awarded:
-
2022
- Grant Program:
-
Policy Meets Practice
- Grant Amount:
-
$50,000
ACANA was funded to provide culturally and linguistically responsive mental health education, peer-led support, care navigation, interpretation, and appointment accompaniment for African refugee and immigrant women, while training health providers and spiritual leaders in trauma-informed care.
