2025 Community Power Grantmaking Program

iF, A Foundation for Radical Possibility, is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing racial justice and the self-determination of Black people and people of the global majority, particularly in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The foundation is guided by a vision of communities that are free from all forms of violence and oppression and is committed to transforming how resources from philanthropic, nonprofit, and governmental entities are distributed. This transformation is centered around disrupting anti-Black racism and other forms of intersecting oppression. iF prioritizes relationship-building, shared power, risk-taking, and community healing as part of its strategy to support innovative, community-rooted efforts for systemic change. The 2025 Community Power grantmaking program seeks proposals that align with iF’s framework of Innovation, Disruption, and systems change, collectively referred to as the “iF IDs.” Innovation refers to creating new systems rooted in community traditions and values; Disruption involves dismantling oppressive systems; and systems change seeks to reform structures to improve material conditions while acknowledging the limitations of those reforms. These efforts must be rooted in the lived experiences and leadership of Black people and people of the global majority. The program uses a participatory grantmaking model, wherein decision-making authority is given to community members from Washington, DC; Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland; and Northern Virginia. These members bring lived experience of racial injustice and are actively involved in advocacy and organizing. iF staff support the process but do not have voting power in funding decisions. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations or groups with a fiscal sponsor, and applicants must operate in the Washington, DC region. Additionally, organizations must demonstrate a commitment to racial justice and must be led by and composed of at least 50% Black people and people of the global majority, both at the staff and board levels. National organizations or academic institutions may apply in partnership with eligible community-based nonprofits. Ten grants of $75,000 annually for three years will be awarded, primarily for general operating support. Applications are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, June 9, 2025. The application process includes submitting a narrative that explains how the organization aligns with iF’s IDs, demographic data on staff and board, and financial documentation. Applications must be submitted through an online portal, and an eligibility quiz is required before submission is accepted. For questions or accessibility needs, applicants may contact Kendra Allen or Zahra Wardrick at (202) 939-3390 or by email at grants@iffdn.org. Proposals may be submitted in languages other than English, and translation support will be provided. Applicants needing alternative formats for submission must coordinate with iF prior to the deadline.