Seeding the Future Grants

Deaconess Foundation is seeking applications for cycle 2 of its Seeding the Future Grants to support efforts that pursue accelerated change in conditions and systems transformation through coalition and base building, grassroots advocacy, civic engagement, community organizing, and public policy development/change. Donor Name: Deaconess Foundation State: Illinois, Missouri County: Franklin County (MO), Jefferson County (MO), Madison County (IL), Monroe County (IL), Saint Charles County (MO), Saint Clair County (IL), Saint Louis County (MO)\ City: Saint Louis Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Seeding the Future Grants are general operating funds awarded for one year to organizations with proposals that align with Deaconess’ intended impact. Funding supports organizational and civic infrastructure expansion, advancement of public policies, and/or efforts impacting systems transformation through an intergenerational approach for the improved health and wellness of people in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. This grant is designed to cultivate a partnership pipeline for the Movement Transformation Cohort. As part of trust-based philanthropy practices, Deaconess uses guided and ongoing discussions with the partners to identify progress and areas of support in lieu of a reporting process for this grant. Funding Information General operating awards are $20,000 annually per awarded organization. Grants will be awarded for one year and are non-renewable. Uses of funds Funding may be used for general operating support to address organizational needs, support salaries and benefits, invest in technology, strengthen communications efforts, or to meet other operational needs to advance systems change. What are examples of efforts funding may support? Advancement of coordinated local or state public policy advocacy and organizing campaigns driving meaningful, systemic change that may include voter engagement, education and mobilization; Expansion of organizing capacity to respond to the ever-evolving legislative and electoral landscape; Development of research and analysis, convenings and community campaigns that generate innovative approaches to solving policy challenges; and/or The testing and incubating of opportunistic or innovative initiatives that are well-positioned to advance policy change such as ballot initiatives. Examples of Funding Advancement of coordinated local or state public policy advocacy and organizing campaigns driving meaningful, systemic change that may include voter engagement, education and mobilization; Expansion of organizing capacity to respond to the ever-evolving legislative and electoral landscape; Development of research and analysis, convenings and community campaigns that generate innovative approaches to solving policy challenges; and/or The testing and incubating of opportunistic or innovative initiatives that are well-positioned to advance policy change such as ballot initiatives. Eligibility Criteria  Any organization whose work aligns with the grant criteria AND is working in serving one or more of the counties in Deaconess’ footprint is eligible to submit a funding proposal. Deaconess’ footprint includes St. Louis City, St. Louis, Jefferson, St. Charles, and Franklin Counties in Missouri and Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe Counties in Illinois. Organizations need either their own 501(c)(3) tax exemption OR a fiscal agent. Deaconess aims to reduce/eliminate barriers to accessing grant funding. An organization that does not have its own 501(c)(3) status can identify a fiscal agent-an organization or a legal entity with a 501(c)(3) tax exemption that can manage any awarded funds on its behalf. Organizations will complete the proposal in the online portal and upload the memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing the confirmation of the fiscal agent relationship and the fiscal agent’s EmployernIdentification (EIN) number. Organizations that have been awarded a Seeding the Future Grant are not eligible to apply for another Seeding the Future Grant until after the one-year covenant is completed. Organizations awarded a Seeding the Future Grant are eligible to apply for grants other than the Seeding the Future Grants (e.g. Policy Campaign Grant) that Deaconess offers during the term of the one-year covenant. For more information, visit Deaconess Foundation.