The Let Us Breathe Fund, administered by North Star Fund, is a grant program focused on supporting Black-led grassroots organizing in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Created in 2015 in response to the police killing of Eric Garner, the fund seeks to address systemic racism and rectify the philanthropic sector’s historical underinvestment in Black communities and movements. It provides general operating support to organizations building collective power to influence systemic change.
The fund is designed to support organizations focused on grassroots organizing rather than direct service delivery. This includes campaigns to undo or replace laws, policies, and systems that perpetuate injustice. Eligible applicants must demonstrate how their work builds leadership from within the impacted community, identifies root causes of injustice, targets specific policymakers or systems for change, and engages in collective action. Organizations may be new or established, and are not expected to meet all organizing criteria if they are still emerging.
Applicants must be small organizations with budgets of $800,000 or less and be based in or serving New York City or the Hudson Valley. Priority is given to Black-led organizations where leadership reflects the community served and where shared decision-making models are in place. Organizations that serve multiply marginalized populations within Black communities, such as women, immigrants, queer and transgender individuals, and disabled people, are especially encouraged to apply.
The grant awards a flat amount of $20,000 in general operating support. For 2025, new applicants may begin submitting applications on February 19, with the deadline for submissions set at March 31, 2025, at 9 PM. The application process includes an optional "How to Apply" workshop, the creation of an online application account, submission of application materials, and potentially a site visit with a Community Funding Committee. Final decisions are typically announced about three months after the deadline.
Organizations are evaluated by local volunteers who are experienced in community organizing. Multi-racial and white ally organizations may apply but must demonstrate how they center and support Black leadership. For questions or further guidance, applicants may contact grants@northstarfund.org or call North Star Fund at 212-620-9110.
