I write today from Los Angeles, where I’ve lived off and on for most of my life – and where we are now entering a time of aftermath, an environmental aftermath.

I’m grateful to be safe, but like everyone in Los Angeles – I know people who lost everything. And still I am inspired by the humanity and care and compassion that are being expressed over and over by people in this city that I love so much. It’s the kind of spirit that drew me to telling post-conflict stories in the first place. That drive to rebuild, to live again, to connect in community.

I realize there are so many aftermaths in the world today, and my heart goes out to each individual living through one. For me, this grant has always been one small way we can help remind the world of what aftermath is – and perhaps to get people thinking about what we need to do to stop aftermaths from happening.

The application for the 2025 traditional post-conflict grant is now available on our website. The application deadline is March 14, 2025, and we plan to announce the grant winner and finalists by the end of that month.