National Grant Program

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation administers the National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO), a grant initiative aimed at fostering social and environmental justice through community-based action. This program aligns with the Foundation’s guiding belief that those most affected by injustice are best positioned to propose effective solutions. Inspired by the ethos of Civil Rights leader John Lewis, the program is rooted in the principles of grassroots organizing and collective action. It provides unrestricted, general operating support grants over a two-year period to small, constituent-led organizations working toward community empowerment and systemic change. Eligible organizations may receive up to $30,000 per year for two years, with the average annual grant size being approximately $20,000. These funds are intended to support a broad range of grassroots organizing activities, including—but not limited to—community outreach, leadership development, coalition building, non-violent direct action, and campaign mobilization. The focus is not on funding direct services or issue-specific programs, but rather on supporting the underlying organizing infrastructure that facilitates systemic change. The Foundation explicitly seeks applicants whose primary approach is community organizing, particularly those led by individuals directly impacted by the issues they address. To qualify, applicants must have an annual operating budget of under $350,000 and must be based and focused entirely within the United States and its territories. The organization must either have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or operate under a fiscal sponsor with such designation. Applications from international organizations, government entities, schools, religious groups, and individuals are not considered. Additionally, entities seeking funds for capital campaigns, scholarships, or electoral activities are ineligible. Arts or media projects must be clearly tied to organizing campaigns to be considered. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are currently open and accepted on a rolling basis. There is no final submission deadline, as organizations can apply at any point throughout the year. However, all applicants must first complete an eligibility questionnaire to determine their alignment with the program’s criteria. Those who qualify may then access the full application through the online portal. If the committee wishes to learn more, a video conversation may be scheduled to discuss the applicant's work in more detail. The application process begins with a review of eligibility requirements and program considerations, which are essential for determining fit. After logging into the grant portal and completing the application, organizations may be contacted for further discussion. All applications undergo a review by a committee that prioritizes community leadership, defined goals for systemic change, and organizing tactics that build collective political power. While specific award dates are not listed, the rolling format implies continuous review and decision-making throughout the year. Support resources are available for applicants experiencing technical issues or seeking clarification about the application process. Though a contact name or phone number is not listed, inquiries can typically be directed through the Foundation's grant portal. Detailed lists of past grantees from 2019 through 2024 are provided on the Foundation’s website, offering prospective applicants insight into the type of organizations and work that have previously received funding.