Growing Roots Grant

The 2026 Growing Roots Grant, offered by Roots with support from the Urban Movement Innovation Fund, provides targeted financial and developmental support to youth-led initiatives across the Global South. Roots, the administering organization, is an international group focused on dismantling systemic barriers to civic and political participation. Grounded in the philosophy of “community-born, community-led, and community-owned” approaches, Roots works to incubate and elevate initiatives that address local climate justice issues while promoting community autonomy, inclusive dialogue, and structural policy change. This grant opportunity is specifically designed for grassroots youth-led groups working in regions that include Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Additionally, diaspora and BIPOC communities in Global North countries are encouraged to apply, expanding the inclusivity of the program. The grant will support 8 to 10 such initiatives with a funding ceiling of $10,000 USD per group. Projects must be new or emerging (no more than one year old) and clearly demonstrate a commitment to community-rooted change. Initiatives carried out by single individuals will not be considered; only collectives or groups are eligible. Eligible projects must focus on at least one of three core areas: (1) Strategic dialogue and narrative building—fostering spaces for shared understanding in polarized environments and countering misinformation; (2) Advocacy-oriented initiatives—those that aim to influence public or municipal policy through research, civic engagement, or legislative advocacy; and (3) Community autonomy initiatives—efforts that build or reinforce community-owned infrastructure and long-term local power. All selected grantees will be expected to report on project progress at six and twelve-month intervals, though the full project does not have to be completed within 2026. In addition to funding, selected applicants receive extensive support through Roots’ coaching program. This includes one-on-one mentorship tailored to project needs, capacity-building workshops covering storytelling, organizing, and resilience, and opportunities to participate in affiliated communities of practice. Grantees also benefit from communication and media amplification via Roots’ platforms and localized media outreach, enhancing the visibility and reach of their work. Applications are open from February 8 to February 28, 2026. The review process will occur in March 2026, with grantees notified by April 15, 2026. Submissions must include a proposal narrative, estimated budget, and a brief video describing the applicant’s story and project motivation. Applications can be submitted in English or Spanish. While AI tools may assist with translation or formalization, applicants are strongly encouraged to use their authentic voices. Roots does not evaluate submissions based on language proficiency or structure. Proposals will be assessed by a dual structure consisting of a Selection Team and a Youth Advisory Group. Roots provides a responsive contact channel at [email protected] for inquiries, with flexibility to discuss alternative submission methods in cases of technical difficulty. However, email submissions will not be accepted unless pre-approved. Previous recipients of the 2025 Roots micro-grants may apply again but must propose a new project to be eligible under this cycle’s criteria. All applications must meet the program's expectations of clear intent, systemic strategy, and a pathway for sustained impact beyond initial funding.

Show how your project addresses root causes, reaches beyond your circle, and sustains itself after the grant; Use your own voice and clearly explain impact.