Sprouting Fund

The Sprouting Fund is a grant initiative launched in Spring 2024 to support the development and growth of new organizations engaged in racial justice work through systemic change in Washington, DC. This program is designed specifically to reach smaller, emerging groups that have historically been overlooked or underfunded by traditional philanthropic institutions. By focusing on organizations at the beginning stages of their work, the fund aims to cultivate the next generation of changemakers who are building community power and challenging structural inequities. The core objective of the Sprouting Fund is to support work led by and for people directly impacted by systemic harm. This includes those who have been disinvested, marginalized, or harmed by the policies, budgets, and administrative practices of District agencies and laws. The fund emphasizes racial justice as a central pillar and seeks to fund projects that aim to dismantle oppressive systems and foster a just and equitable DC. The funders encourage community-led initiatives that are rooted in lived experiences and localized knowledge. Funding awards range from $2,000 to $10,000, and are intended to help new organizations launch or expand their work. The fund prioritizes trust-based giving and community accountability, aiming to build long-term relationships with grantees. There are no detailed restrictions on allowable spending provided in the grant description, suggesting a flexible funding approach aligned with trust-based philanthropy. Organizations interested in applying must first complete an eligibility quiz to access the application link, suggesting a gatekeeping mechanism to ensure alignment with program goals. The application window for the Fall 2025 cycle opens on August 15, 2025, and closes on September 26, 2025. There is no mention of required pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers. Several optional virtual information sessions are offered: one in English and ASL on August 26, one in English and Spanish on September 3, and another on September 10. The application evaluation process is led by the community and is scheduled for early November. Grant announcements and disbursements are expected in mid to late November. The Sprouting Fund is a recurring funding opportunity, indicating that it may be reissued in future cycles. Based on the Fall 2025 timeline, the next cycle is anticipated to reopen in August 2026. While no direct contact name, phone number, or email is provided in the source materials, applicants are expected to use the eligibility quiz portal to engage with the application process. Example recipients from previous rounds include organizations such as Light to Life, Madre Tierra, and the Save Chinatown Solidarity Network DC. These examples highlight the fund’s emphasis on grassroots, community-led initiatives addressing racial justice through systems change in the District of Columbia.