Nathan Cummings Foundation Grant

The Nathan Cummings Foundation supports movements, organizations, and individuals working toward racial, economic, and environmental justice through flexible, strategic grantmaking and investments. Over the past 30 years, NCF has awarded nearly half a billion dollars, leveraging both financial and non-financial assets to accelerate systemic change. Their funding philosophy embraces long-term relationships with partners and a commitment to proximate leadership, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by structural inequity. NCF offers two primary types of funding: grants and program-related investments (PRIs). All proposals must align with the foundation's interconnected goals of racial, economic, and environmental justice. NCF has a particular focus on the U.S. South and encourages work that intersects across their core priorities. The foundation welcomes innovative and emerging ideas while also supporting efforts that seek to expand scale or deepen systemic influence. Applications are accepted through a rolling Letter of Inquiry (LOI) portal that is open year-round. Three categories of grants are offered. Venture Grants of up to $100,000 for one year provide exploratory support for emerging initiatives and new relationships. Advancement Grants offer up to $250,000 per year for up to two years to help projects scale or expand their reach. Enterprise Grants, which exceed $250,000 annually and span more than two years, are available by invitation only and are intended for partners that align deeply across NCF’s priorities and demonstrate potential for multifaceted collaboration with the foundation. Applicants begin by reviewing the foundation’s FAQs and strategic focus areas. If aligned, they may register and submit an LOI via the foundation’s online portal. All proposals undergo a rolling review, and applicants are typically notified within 12 weeks regarding next steps. The foundation does not fund individuals, 501(c)(4) entities, or projects focused on direct services without broader advocacy strategies. Other exclusions include religious congregations, campus-based programs, and projects centered on conservation or disease research. All applications must be submitted online; mailed or emailed inquiries are not accepted. NCF uses the same portal for both grant and PRI proposals, and emphasizes a collaborative, learning-oriented approach to its funding relationships. The foundation encourages applicants to explore intersectional strategies and demonstrate alignment with REEJ values.

Ensure alignment with REEJ principles and clearly articulate systems-level impact; emphasis on work in U.S. South.