Norman Foundation Grants

The Norman Foundation is a private family foundation committed to advancing systemic change by supporting community-led initiatives focused on economic, environmental, and social justice. Grounded in the principle that liberty is won incrementally, the foundation backs grassroots efforts that empower communities to determine and control the forces that shape their lives. It prioritizes projects that foster economic justice through organizing and policy reform, combat environmental hazards particularly in vulnerable communities, and build bridges between local efforts and broader national or international reform movements. The foundation awards general support, project-specific, and collaborative grants. While the scope of funded activities is broad, it emphasizes work rooted in practical organizing and inclusive equity, especially initiatives directly tied to the lived experiences and liberation of affected populations. It favors proposals that demonstrate potential for scalable, systemic transformation, with the hope that successful models might be adapted or institutionalized across sectors. Funding can be used to support innovative capacity-building strategies among social change organizations working within the foundation’s core interest areas. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations engaged in domestic U.S. issues. The foundation gives priority to groups with annual budgets under $1 million, though it does not strictly exclude larger organizations. While the foundation does not specify ineligible uses, it tends to support entities with aligned social justice missions and a track record of organized engagement. There is no explicit mention of fiscal sponsorship criteria or exclusions related to faith-based groups or political activity, but it is inferred that programs must be mission-aligned. The application process begins with a two- to three-page letter of inquiry (LOI), which should include an overview of the problem being addressed, a proposed response strategy, and how it aligns with systemic change and the foundation’s guidelines. Applicants should also briefly address expected outcomes and provide basic budget context. LOIs may be submitted via email (preferred) in PDF or Word format, or by regular mail—but only one submission method should be used. There are no fixed deadlines for LOI submission. The foundation reviews letters throughout the year, acknowledging receipt within approximately four weeks. If a proposal aligns with funding priorities, the applicant will be invited to submit a full proposal. No further application components, timelines, or performance periods are specified on the funder’s site, nor are there public guidelines for evaluation criteria or award timelines. Given the lack of fixed cycles or close dates, the opportunity functions on a rolling basis and is not formally recurring.

Focus on demonstrating how the project achieves systemic change, builds equity, and models sustainable reform. Emphasize community organizing and grassroots leadership.