The Crossroads Fund’s Seed Fund is its largest grantmaking program, supporting both well-established and emerging grassroots organizations engaged in social change work. Funding is available for general operating expenses, start-up costs, or project-specific expenses. The maximum grant amount is $15,000. The fund prioritizes organizations with a strong commitment to activism and organizing, rather than purely social service programs, although social service organizations may be eligible if they integrate social change efforts.
To qualify, applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, or organizations with an organizational bank account. Additionally, organizations must have annual expenses under $500,000 for the previous fiscal year. Crossroads Fund primarily supports organizations based in the Chicago metropolitan area, and local chapters of national organizations are eligible if they have a strong community presence and independent fundraising. While fiscal sponsorship is recommended for organizations without 501(c)(3) status, it is not required. Crossroads Fund also considers funding for 501(c)(4) organizations on a limited basis.
The application process begins with account creation in the Crossroads Fund Online Grant Portal. Applicants must use the access code "Seed25" to unlock the application. The deadline for submissions is February 11, 2025. The review process runs from March to June, with final funding decisions announced in early July 2025. Applications are reviewed based on alignment with Crossroads Fund’s funding criteria, with selected applicants undergoing site visits or interviews conducted by the Grantmaking Committee (GMC), which includes staff, board members, and Giving Project alumni. The GMC’s recommendations are submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval.
Crossroads Fund provides feedback upon request for organizations whose applications are not selected. Applicants seeking feedback should submit a draft or one-pager to Joanna Preston (joanna@crossroadsfund.org) at least one week before the deadline. All applications must be submitted online, as mailed applications are no longer accepted.
For more information, applicants may contact Joanna Preston at joanna@crossroadsfund.org or call 773-227-7676. Additional details, including funding priorities and application instructions, are available through the Crossroads Fund Online Grant Portal.
