Deadline: 2/1/22

Amount: up to $30,000

Website: https://benandjerrysfoundation.org/national-grants/

Description:

The National Grassroots Organizing Program offers one-year general operating support grants to non-profit grassroots organizations throughout the United States.The guiding principle behind this program is the Ben & Jerry Foundation’s belief that people most affected by a problem are in the best position to determine the solutions. We will consider proposals from grassroots organizations that are working to help themselves and their communities create broad systems change through community organizing and movement-building efforts. We prioritize organizations that are led by and center the leadership and agency of Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color in their efforts to dismantle systems of oppression and the legacies of white supremacy culture in this country while working toward a more just and equitable society.

We define grassroots organizing as collective action from the bottom up. It challenges the status quo, demands changes in policy and practice, educates communities about root causes, and advocates and agitates for systemic and just solutions. True progressive change occurs only when underlying, systemic forces are understood and addressed. We firmly believe that grassroots, constituent-led organizing is among the most effective means to create social change.

Eligible applicants:

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING, EACH APPLICANT ORGANIZATION MUST HAVE:

  1. An annual operating budget under $350,000
  2. Grassroots organizing as the primary strategy
  3. Non-profit 501(c)3 status, or a fiscal agent with this status
  4. Be U.S.-based and U.S.-focused

While our broad goals are to further racial equity, social justice, and environmental justice, our primary purpose is to support the grassroots organizing strategies and activities of our grant partners, rather than any specific issues the organizations are addressing.

UNFORTUNATELY, WE CANNOT CONSIDER REQUESTS FOR:

  1. Programs that solely provide direct services to individuals, families, or communities
  2. Internationally oriented programs
  3. Organizations with annual budget over $350,000
  4. Discretionary or emergency support
  5. Schools or programs for schools
  6. Colleges or universities
  7. Individuals or scholarship programs
  8. Research, litigation or legal expenses
  9. Capital or endowment campaigns
  10. State agencies or government programs
  11. Businesses or business associations
  12. Religious activities
  13. Arts or Media programs
  14. Other foundations or regranting organizations

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dana Jeffery

Administrative & Grants Management Coordinator

info@benandjerrysfoundation.org