Private Social Advocacy Grants

Poynter Reporting Grants for Transgender Coverage Grant Amount: $10,000 to $15,000 (three grants available) Eligibility: Reporters planning projects on all platforms (online, radio, video, print). Must have attended or watched both Beat Academy Transgender Coverage webinars. If not attended, enroll in the course. Support: One-on-one coaching available as needed. Focus: Strong applications focus on concrete local examples of transgender issues. Focus can be personal, family, community, or state level. Emphasis on a crisp story pitch, clear reporting plan, and evidence of reporting skill. Projects should be completed by December 31, 2024. Application Details: Applications due by May 3, 2024. Winners announced in late May. For questions, email Jon Greenberg at [email protected]. Funding Source: Supported by the Gill Foundation.

The Fund for Siouxland is an unrestricted endowment fund managed by the Siouxland Community Foundation, aiming to enhance the quality of life in the Siouxland communities. It utilizes the contributions from individuals, families, corporations, and other foundations to support a broad range of initiatives within an approximately 80-mile radius of Sioux City, Iowa. The fund prioritizes projects that collaborate with other agencies, address new and emerging needs with creative solutions, and demonstrate sound financial plans for future sustainability. Projects benefiting larger numbers of people, especially those at risk, are given preference. The grants generally do not exceed $5,000 and are not allocated to religious purposes, annual fund drives, political activities, capital campaigns, endowments, general operating expenses, individuals, budget deficits, or school playground equipment/uniforms. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: February 15th to May 15th

The United Airlines Trust Fund was established in recognition of Siouxland's response to the United Flight 232 incident in 1989. This grant supports organizations and government units within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City, Iowa. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified government units. The fund allocates two-thirds of its annual net income to scholarships and one-third to community grants. These grants support projects promoting public safety, health care, crisis management, and community preparedness, with a focus on social services, education, and training of public personnel. Grants typically do not exceed $2,500, and the selection is based on proposal merit, relative need, and potential community impact. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: February 15th to May 15th

The Junior League of Sioux City, through its Mildred Anderson Community Grants program, supports short-term community need projects with a focus on volunteer participation. Established in 1990 with a generous donation, these grants promote charitable activities within the Siouxland tri-state area. Grant recipients are selected through a competitive process and must meet certain eligibility criteria including not having received a grant in the prior year, not being involved in a current Junior League project, and utilizing community volunteers in their projects. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: October 1st to January 15th

The Thief River Falls Area Community Fund is inviting applications for grants from nonprofit or public entities within the Thief River Falls School District area. Grants are intended for projects, programs, or activities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Thief River Falls area. Primary focus areas include youth engagement, social need, senior enrichment, and overall quality of life enhancement. Applications are open until May 1, 2024. The fund is a component of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, which serves 12 northwestern Minnesota counties. More information and application details can be found on their website.

United Way of Fostoria 2024 Community Impact Grants The United Way of Fostoria is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Community Impact Grants. These grants are designed to support programs in various crucial areas, including education, basic human needs, physical and mental health, and income stability. Grant Details: Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 Grant Types: Startup projects, expansion of existing successful programs, and addressing unmet community needs. Special Grant Opportunity: This year, in recognition of a generous bequest from lifelong United Way supporter Laverne Anderson, we are soliciting grant proposals in the following areas: Gardening Music programs Golf Swimming Playing bridge Previous Grant Impact: Recent Community Impact Grants have had a profound effect on the Fostoria community, including: Expansion of the welding lab at Fostoria Learning Center Provision of 40-plus beds for Fostorians in need through St Vincent de Paul Creation of the Staying Ahead program as part of the Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World program Application Process: Grant application forms can be obtained by: Visiting the United Way office at 105 S. Main St Calling 419-435-4484 Emailing [email protected] About United Way of Fostoria: The United Way of Fostoria is a charitable organization founded by the citizens of Fostoria with the aim of enriching the lives of Fostorians. Funds for Community Impact Grants are sourced from a foundation dedicated to supporting the work of the United Way of Fostoria. It's important to note that campaign donations are solely used to fund services provided by the Agency Partners of UWF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma focused on education, human services, and community improvement initiatives.

The Con Edison is currently seeking social justice grant proposals to empower communities to address climate resiliency. Donor Name: Con Edison State: New York City: New York City and Westchester Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Con Edison is seeking to support organizations whose mission and purpose focus on actionable social justice programming. Their initiatives should be centered in, created for, and implemented by disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities. Proposals should address the intersectional issues of extreme heat & humidity, extreme weather events, and/or precipitation & flooding with the outcome of building and advancing resiliency in these areas. Con Edison will prioritize proposals from organizations/organizational partnerships that: Center and emerge from communities that have been historically marginalized and disadvantaged, including educational institutions who can demonstrate an extensive history of community partnerships. Have a history of organizing around justice issues (environmental justice and/or climate justice preferred). Have a strong leadership team (staff, board, volunteers) that reflects the demographic make-up of their communities. Are highly engaged and interactive with the identified community members and able to demonstrate a high level of community input into the project/plan. Clearly stated policy and advocacy goals related to the disproportionate climate impacts within the communities they serve. Can demonstrate that their project will have meaningful impact for their communities. Funding Information A total of up to $1M will be available for seed funding of programs across successful grantees in the first year, with proposed programs beginning their work in July 2024. Priority Populations Every program that Con Edison will be considering for support under the Social Justice focus area must serve disadvantaged and/or historically marginalized communities across Con Edison territory. New York State’s Climate Justice Working Group has highlighted criteria for disadvantaged communities which includes: Communities of color (racial and ethnic minorities) Those exposed by potential pollution exposures Those impacted by land use associated with historical discrimination and divestment Those exposed to potential climate change risks Low- and Moderate-Income communities Those with poor health outcomes and sensitivities Housing energy and communications. What Programs Qualify? (includes, but not limited to): Programs and efforts to build awareness, understanding of environmental and climate burdens, and action to address climate change preparation and mitigation while serving historically marginalized and disadvantaged communities Programs that address the impact of climate-driven extreme temperatures on vulnerable populations through the implementation of skills-based trainings centered on community preparedness, organizing, and advocacy Programs that educate communities on the urban heat island and that provide the unique perspective of those communities to policy makers and other leaders Efforts that convene community leadership across sectors to consider and build plans for climate change impact and urban heat mitigation in targeted communities Project must be located within the state of New York with a priority for the five boroughs and Westchester within CECONY service territories and in historically marginalized and state-designated disadvantaged communities. Eligibility Criteria  Have a track record and mission of working with and for disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities to improve the quality of life of residents and community-based needs. Project must serve beneficiaries located within the state of New York with a priority for the five boroughs and Westchester, within Con Edison’s service territories and historically marginalized and state designated disadvantaged community. Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable entity, as described in Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. In a collective group scenario, a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit is required as the fiscal agent for funding. For more information, visit Con Edison.

This grant provides financial support to organizations working to improve the lives of residents in Danville and Pittsylvania County, Virginia, across various sectors such as youth development, arts, education, environmental protection, and health.

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Fund aims to promote equity for Native American, Latino, African, Arab, and Asian communities in Maine through leadership investment, policy change, and alleviating race-based disparities. The fund focuses on organizations with BIPOC leadership and involvement, prioritizing racial equity, health, leadership development, and economic opportunities. It offers two-year general support grants of up to $10,000 per year, with the first grants awarded in 2024. Organizations must be based in Maine and meet specific community service criteria to qualify. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 15th

This grant provides funding for innovative community projects in Chautauqua and Erie County, New York, focusing on underserved populations and new problem-solving approaches.

Lake Shore Savings Bank invites applications biannually for projects and programs that offer innovative and efficient solutions to community needs, with an emphasis on supporting underserved citizens and testing new approaches to community problem-solving. Special projects by educational or religious institutions that benefit the wider community will be considered. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal responsibility, management capability, and the ability to deliver the proposed services or programs. Eligibility is limited to organizations benefiting Chautauqua and Erie County, New York. Notifications and payments following in July and January, respectively. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Spring deadline: June 1st

The Hospice Fund is dedicated to supporting hospice services, particularly focusing on programs that enhance volunteer and bereavement services in Cumberland and York counties. The fund, established from the assets of Hospice of Maine, targets capacity-building and specific project support within the hospice and bereavement sector. It does not provide support for general operational costs. Key eligibility requirements include alignment with the Maine Community Foundation's grant criteria, with priority given to projects that raise awareness of hospice services, improve the quality and utilization of end-of-life services, and support volunteer recruitment and training. Awards announced by May 15th Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: November 15th to February 15th

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is currently accepting applications from organizations working to strengthen disability inclusion, rights, and justice. Donor Name: Borealis Philanthropy State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: DIF grants will support organizations whose work is rooted in intersectional cross-movements, is collaborative, and works to build a more vibrant, just and joyful world for people with disabilities—from arts and culture, to policy and advocacy. All funding will be aligned with the Disability Inclusion Fund’s guiding values: Participation: Movement funding is accountable to the disability justice movement. Those most impacted by injustice/exclusion should be involved in strategies to advance justice/inclusion. Intersectionality: Acknowledging that disabled people have multiple and intersecting social and political identities that can influence their access and inclusion including race, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. Radical inclusion: Deeply committed to removing barriers and ensuring access so that those most affected by intersecting identities can participate, valuing lived experience. Leadership of those most impacted: Emphasis is given to organizations led by disabled people of color, queer, gender nonconforming and women with disabilities. Cross-movement solidarity: Intentional focus on collaboration and bridge-building amongst disability justice activists and across movements. Sustainability: Resources and tools that support the growth of grassroots disabled-led organizations, and expand operational capacities for ongoing movement building. Borealis Philanthropy will prioritize funding organizations that meet the following criteria: Organizations that are disability-led with priority towards Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), queer and gender non-conforming, and women disability-led organizations. Borealis Philanthropy define ‘disability-led’ as the leadership in your organization are people with disabilities, including more than 50% of the organization’s management staff/advisory committees/governing boards. Work that engages other social movements and injustices for examples: The movement for Black lives, climate change, immigration rights, labor rights, racial justice, queer and trans liberation, etc. Work that brings other organizations, leaders, movements, and communities together to build power through relationships, coalitions and opportunities for collaboration. Work that drives narrative change in ways that dismantle ableism and attitudinal barriers in the policy, society, and culture. towards more by Strategies that celebrate, create, and elevate uplifting the authentic representation of disabled people in the arts, media, literature, and other creative works. Work that moves practices of disability inclusion and disability justice forward. Examples of this work include community organizing, mutual aid, advocacy, and/or policy work. Funding Information This funding opportunity will provide two-year grants. Successful applicants will receive $75,000 per year totaling $150,000. Eligibility Criteria  Your organization’s annual budget with committed revenue is less than $1 million Your organization must be U.S-based or U.S. territory-based 501(c)3 or be fiscally sponsored. For more information, visit Borealis Philanthropy.

The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is accepting applications for the California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands) to support the heroic efforts of activists to preserve California’s wildlands. Donor Name: Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Cal Wildlands supports conservationists advocating for the permanent protection, including restoration and stewardship, of intact wildlands on both public and private lands to help preserve California’s wilderness and native biological diversity. Cal Wildlands defines “wildlands” as natural habitats, privately or publicly owned, that are (or have the potential to be) permanently preserved through legislation or deed restrictions, and are on a scale necessary to support significant native plant and animal life. Though many of the grantees’ projects are in rural areas, they may also support projects near urban or suburban settings, provided they feature connectivity to larger protected areas and/or are located along critical wildlife corridors. Efforts to advance wildlands and open space protection through county general plans and other local planning mechanisms may be eligible for funding. Cal Wildlands also supports policy advocacy, litigation and regulatory watchdogging at the local, state and federal levels if the project objective is to protect wildlands. Funding Priorities  Requests for discrete, project-specific support in which both the site and strategy are concrete and specific, e.g., saving the River Styx from hydroelectric development by getting stakeholders and community members to a hearing in Sacramento. Geographic or issue areas that have not received significant financial support in the past, including rural communities and other regions without easy access to financial and political support. Community-based advocacy and organizing efforts in which the campaign/project is steered by affected community members and interest groups. Effort is predominantly driven and staffed by volunteers. Project will establish or combat a critical precedent that will influence other wildlands protection efforts. Innovative strategies. Project seeks to build diverse constituencies for wildlands protection and engage non-traditional stakeholders, especially communities of color. Funding Information Typical grants range between $4,000-$7,500. Maximum grant is $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Because of the complex network of agencies, stakeholders, processes, and programs that affect land and habitat issues in California, wildlands protection efforts are challenging. That is why the Cal Wildlands Fund provides a broad range of support for activists and organizations working to protect wildlands and habitat throughout the state. The Fund supports: Small nonprofit organizations with annual actual expenses and income of $200,000 or less; and Individual activists (with a sponsoring organization) with a solid track record of protecting California’s natural landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. Geographic areas and advocacy efforts that have not received significant foundation support. The strategies they support include, but are not limited to the following: Grassroots organizing; organizational capacity building; participation in public meetings and hearings; public education; communications; legislative and regulatory advocacy; media campaigns; lawsuits; listing petitions; conferences and meetings; skills and leadership trainings; restoration and trail maintenance; scientific research, including citizen science; coalition building; and developing partnerships with government agencies, private entities, nonprofit organizations, and communities. The activities they support include, but are not limited to the following: Communications campaigns (including mailings, web-based communications and social media, paid advertising, etc.); strategic campaign planning and implementation; advocacy-related travel or other expenses; research; hiring technical, legal, or scientific experts or consultants; equipment purchase or rental; training; conferences; retreats; monitoring; mapping; and restoration and trail maintenance. Educational activities targeting legislators are allowable, but grant dollars may not be used for lobbying as defined by IRS 501(c)(3). For more information, visit RFCE.

The LGBTQ Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham is thrilled to announce the release of its Request for Proposals (RFP), launching the 2024 Grant Cycle. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham State: Alabama County: Blount County (AL), Jefferson County (AL), Saint Clair County (AL), Shelby County (AL), Walker County (AL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The LGBTQ Fund seeks to support organizations focused on: Strengthen the infrastructure of organizations led by or serving LGBTQ persons Support the provision of services to LGBTQ youth, individuals and families Provide educational opportunities that highlight the needs of the LGBTQ community Advance collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community organizations Support nonprofit partners working on public policy and social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQ concerns Priority will be given to proposals that specifically address the needs of LGBTQ communities that have been most demonstrably underserved, including but not limited to, communities of color, youth, seniors, transgender individuals, gender non-binary persons and persons in rural communities. Priority will also be given to intersectional programs addressing inclusive healthcare and mental health services, immigrant advocacy, racial and economic justice, faith and acceptance. Funding Information Typical grant amounts range from $3,000 to $7,000. The LGBTQ Fund will consider general operating expenses, provided these expenses are justified in the application. Criteria Grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations in Central Alabama (Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties) that serve the LGBTQ community or seek to expand existing programs to be inclusive and affirming of persons who identify as LGBTQ. They encourage organizations who are not currently designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to apply using a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit CFGB.

This funding opportunity supports educational, religious, and human service organizations in Americus and Atlanta, Georgia, helping them enhance their community contributions through various types of financial assistance.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Native American Agriculture Fund’s (NAAF) grant program 2024. Donor Name: Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The key focus areas for which funding is allowed under the Trust Agreement are broadly described as: business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy services. General Focus For 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations General Focus: Business Assistance, Agricultural Education, Technical Support and/or Advocacy Services Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $200,000 For Educational Organizations General Focus: Business Assistance, Agricultural Education, Technical Support and/or Advocacy Services Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Funding available: Available Pool: $500,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $75,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $150,000 For CDFIs General Focus: Loan Capital, Re-granting Capital & Technical Assistance/Business Assistance Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices; Additional CDFI and Native CDFI Support Funding available: Available Pool: $4,500,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: N/A Maximum Request Per Focus: N/A; applicants may not request the full available pool. For Tribal Governments and Instrumentalities General Focus: Business Assistance, Agricultural Education, Technical Support and/or Advocacy Services Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $200,000. Special Focus Areas Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Eligible Entities: Tribes, 501(c)(3)s, CDFIs, Edu Orgs Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $200,000 Special Focus: Additional CDFI and Native CDFI Support Eligible Entities: CDFIs Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $400,000 Youth Programming Eligible Entities: All types of eligible entities may apply Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request: $20,000 Maximum Request: $200,000. Grant Period Funds may be used for projects that are either 12 or 24 months in duration. Uses of funds  Funds may be used for project support, general organizational support, scholarships, re-grants, lending programs or capital expenditures. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit organizations with IRS Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or if such status has not yet been achieved, such organizations may apply for funding through a Fiscal Sponsor that has received such 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status; Educational organizations described in Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code; Tribally controlled or Bureau operated schools, as well as schools operated by an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, align with the language in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code, qualifying them as eligible educational institutions for the Native American Agriculture Funds (NAAF) grant. This eligibility stems from their adherence to the definition outlined in Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). As per this section, educational organizations are primarily engaged in formal instruction, maintain regular faculty and curriculum, and have a consistently enrolled body of students attending their educational activities. Tribally controlled or Bureau operated schools, granted under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act or deemed eligible by section 5205, fall within this category. Similarly, schools operated by Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations that enroll K-12 students, including pre-school, also meet these eligibility criteria. By fulfilling these requirements, both types of tribal schools align with the definition provided in the Internal Revenue Code, making them eligible for the NAAF grant as recognized educational institutions. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), including Certified Native CDFIs and Emerging Native CDFIs, provided however that such CDFI is a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and An instrumentality of a state or federally recognized Tribe, including a non-profit organization chartered under the Tribal law of a state or federally recognized Tribe, that furnishes assistance designed to further Native American farming or ranching activities, provided, however, that 1) the use of any grant funds by such grant recipient shall be restricted exclusively to charitable and educational purposes; 2) the grant recipient shall annually provide NAAF with audited financial statements and reports as required by NAAF; 3) if the grant recipient is a governmental entity, it shall agree to a limited waiver of sovereign immunity with respect to NAAF’s right to enforce the terms of the grant (i.e., the amount of funding awarded); and 4) if the grant recipient agrees to comply with all expenditure responsibility requirements designed by NAAF. For more information, visit NAAF.

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) is announcing a competitive request for proposals (RFP) to support efforts to provide culturally specific services for people affected by sexual assault. Donor Name: Office of Crime Victims Advocacy State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Funding Information OCVA estimates that $693,120 will be available for this grant program. Applicants may request up to $140,000. OCVA intends to award funds for three years, July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027, with one-year grants issued at the beginning of each state fiscal year. Year One will be awarded for the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Year Two will be awarded for the period of July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. Year Three will be awarded for the period of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 OCVA reserves the right to extend the grant period for successful applicants for one year (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028). Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a community-based non-profit organization with a primary mission and history of serving a culturally-Specific community, a Tribe, or a tribal organization. For the purposes of the application, culturally-specific communities may include, but are not limited to: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities; communities of people with disabilities; Black communities; American Indian/Alaska Native communities; other communities of color; and Tribal communities. For more information, visit WSDC.

The Vermont Creative Aging FY2024 grant aims to support organizations in providing skill-based artistic activities that engage older adults aged 60 and above. The program encourages the creation of art and social interaction among seniors, with a funding scope that allows for activities led by experienced teaching artists. Grants of up to $6,000 are available for project activities scheduled between January 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024. The grant supports programs that enhance emotional well-being, cognitive and physical health, and social engagement of older adults through art. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities within Vermont, promoting collaborations that increase accessibility and engagement in creative endeavors for seniors. Grant renewed every year.