The Freya Project began with a single event on January 27, 2017.
This event drew over 100 people and raised over $4,000 for La Frontera Fund: a non-profit in South Texas fighting for reproductive rights. We realized then that the simple act of bringing people together to listen to the stories of women and non-binary people could act as a bridge between our community in New York and organizations across the United States working for human rights.
“The Freya Project creates a much-needed, inclusive community that shares a love for reading, writing, and doing good… It aims to do what all great literature can: make possible a better world.”
— Stephanie Jimenez, Freya Project Reader
To date, we’ve hosted 30 fundraising readings in 4 cities as well as digitally, featuring well over 100 readers. These events have raised more than $35,000 for organizations in need.
Freya Project Readers
We invite women and non-binary people to read at our events. The people who participate in our events are writers, actors, activists, doctors, teachers, and are all active participants in their communities.
Community-based Support
Proceeds from our events support small nonprofits working in their local communities. Organizations we support advocate for reproductive rights, offer assistance to immigrant, refugees, and incarcerated people, advocate for gun control, champion environmental causes, and more.
Grants to Writers
Each year, The Freya Project awards two grants writers who have read at our events. Our $1000 Meret Grants offer essential support to former readers to use in any way they choose, and our $5000 Juno Grant supports one of our former readers who is also a parent.
Meet the Founders
Meet Nonie Brzyski and Natalka Burian: two writers and activists who started The Freya Project.
Originally galvanized by the results of the 2016 presidential election, the two believe unequivocally in the voices of women and non-binary people. By sharing their stories, Nonie & Natalka hope to inspire support and activism for the organizations across the United States that need it the most.