The Needmor Fund for Social Justice is a private foundation committed to supporting grassroots, membership-based community organizing groups that work toward systemic change and the promotion of democracy. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, the Fund provides general operating support to organizations that are democratically run, prioritize leadership development, and demonstrate a strong commitment to organizing low- and moderate-income populations. The foundation emphasizes support for those historically excluded from participation in civic life, including BIPOC communities, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged individuals.
The Fund’s Core Grants Program is its primary grantmaking vehicle, focusing exclusively on organizations engaged in community organizing within eight Midwestern states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Core Grants are available to both new and returning applicants. First-time applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) between April 1 and May 15. Those invited to proceed, as well as returning grantees, may submit a full application between May 1 and June 30. Applicants must use the Fund’s online grantmaking system, Foundant, and no other submission formats are accepted. Approximately six weeks after the submission deadline, applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their proposal. If approved, grant funds will become available about six months post-deadline.
Needmor sets clear expectations for the types of organizations it supports. Successful applicants will have a demonstrable track record of organizing low- and moderate-income people, utilizing a multi-issue, intersectional approach that prioritizes racial, economic, and social justice. They are expected to engage in direct action, demonstrate democratic governance, and employ strategic planning and diversified fundraising methods. Organizations should also possess a power analysis and a long-term vision for building collective power to effect systemic policy changes.
The Fund has additional selection screens emphasizing collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, and a connection to larger organizing networks. Grantees should be capable of integrating voter engagement strategies and addressing both urban and rural issues. They must also show awareness of global economic trends and their impact on local communities. Organizations can be funded for up to four consecutive years through the Core Grants program and must then wait at least two years before reapplying.
Additionally, the Needmor Fund offers the Frank I. Sanchez Award, established in 2019 to honor exceptional community organizing work. This one-time, invitation-only $50,000 grant is awarded annually to a current or former Needmor grantee that exemplifies leadership development, increased membership, and meaningful systemic change in low- and moderate-income communities. Interested organizations must contact the Fund’s Operations Manager to express their interest in being considered.
For further inquiries or clarification, applicants may contact Needmor’s Grants Manager at 419-872-1490 or by email at grantmaking@needmorfund.org. Applicants are also encouraged to review the “Before You Apply” section on the Needmor website to ensure their alignment with the Fund’s mission and criteria.
