Grants for Community Movement and Power-Building

Grants for community movement and power-building support grassroots organizing, advocacy, and initiatives that empower communities to influence policies and create systemic change. These grants often fund projects focused on social justice, economic equity, environmental justice, and civic engagement. Here are several avenues to explore for securing such grants:

1. Foundations Focused on Social Justice and Advocacy:
   • The Ford Foundation: Supports initiatives that address inequality and empower communities to drive social change.
   • The Open Society Foundations: Provides funding for projects focused on human rights, democratic governance, and social justice.
   • The Marguerite Casey Foundation: Funds community-led movements and organizations working to shift the balance of power and create equitable systems.
   • The Nathan Cummings Foundation: Supports social justice and movement-building efforts, particularly those addressing inequality and climate change.
2. Corporate Grants and Sponsorships:
   • Ben & Jerry’s Foundation: Offers grants to grassroots organizations working for social and environmental justice and sustainable food systems.
   • Patagonia: Provides funding through its environmental grants program to support grassroots environmental activism and justice initiatives.
   • Google.org: Supports initiatives that use technology and innovation to address social justice issues and empower marginalized communities.
3. Nonprofit Organizations and Networks:
   • The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL): Provides grants and support for Black-led grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts.
   • The Emergent Fund: Offers rapid response funding to grassroots organizations working on racial and economic justice, particularly those led by marginalized communities.
   • The Fund for Global Human Rights: Supports grassroots organizations and movements fighting for human rights and social justice around the world.
4. Community Foundations:
   • Local community foundations often provide grants for grassroots organizing and community power-building initiatives. Examples include:
     • The New York Community Trust: Offers grants for social justice and community empowerment projects in New York City.
     • The Brooklyn Community Foundation: Supports community-led change initiatives and power-building efforts in Brooklyn.
     • The Long Island Community Foundation: Provides funding for grassroots organizations working on social justice and community empowerment in Long Island.
5. Educational Institutions and Research Centers:
   • The Center for Community Change: Offers funding and support for grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts focused on economic and racial justice.
   • The Institute for Policy Studies (IPS): Provides grants and resources for movement-building and social justice initiatives.
6. Public-Private Partnerships:
   • Collaborations between government agencies, private organizations, and community groups can provide additional funding and resources for community movement and power-building projects.
7. Health and Human Services Organizations:
   • The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Funds initiatives that address social determinants of health and promote health equity, including community organizing and advocacy.
   • The Kresge Foundation: Supports efforts to build community power and promote social and economic equity.

When applying for these grants, it is important to:

• Clearly define the goals and objectives of the project.
• Provide a detailed plan and timeline for implementation.
• Include a comprehensive budget outlining how the funds will be used.
• Highlight the expected impact and benefits of the project on the community.
• Demonstrate community support and engagement, showing how the project meets local needs.
• Include evidence of partnerships or collaborations with other organizations, community groups, and stakeholders.

By securing these grants, organizations can implement projects that build community power, promote social justice, and create lasting systemic change.