Akonadi Foundation’s So Love Can Win Fund

The Akonadi Foundation’s So Love Can Win Fund is a project support grant program designed to amplify the work of Oakland-based organizations committed to racial justice. Founded over 25 years ago, the Akonadi Foundation has long been a key supporter of movements that promote racial equity and community healing. The Foundation originally launched the So Love Can Win Fund in 2016 in response to a rise in national and local events that threatened the safety and well-being of communities of color. The fund continues in this spirit by supporting efforts that nurture a racially just Oakland through imagination, collaboration, and storytelling. In 2025, Akonadi will distribute up to $400,000 in total through one round of So Love Can Win grants. These grants will range from $10,000 to $30,000 and are designated exclusively for project support. Funded initiatives must center on advancing narratives of belonging, fostering collaborative efforts between community members and artists, and creating inclusive spaces for shared understanding and action. The grant seeks to uplift storytelling, organizing, healing practices, and cultural work that builds collective power in Oakland. Eligibility is specifically limited to groups, formations, collectives, or organizations that are based in Oakland and conduct their primary activities in the city. Organizations must demonstrate a history of racial justice work and either possess 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or be fiscally sponsored. Akonadi continues to partner with Social Good Fund, which waives fiscal sponsorship fees for groups approved for this grant but lacking a sponsor. A submitted project budget is required alongside the proposal, and priority is given to organizations with annual budgets under $500,000. Applications open on July 15, 2025, and close on August 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Applicants can submit proposals through Akonadi’s application portal or, for those with limited technology access or first-time applicants, by phone. However, phone applications are only available to those who meet specific accessibility criteria. Applicants will be informed of funding decisions by September 5, 2025. Once approved, grant partners will receive funding via check or electronic transfer within two weeks of submitting a signed agreement and payment details. Questions about the application process can be directed to the So Love Can Win team via the email address solovecanwin@akonadi.org. Due to high interest, applicants are advised to allow several days for a response. The application system supports saving work in progress and returning later to complete submissions.

Phone interview application is available only for applicants with accessibility barriers or limited grantwriting experience.