Seed Fund

The Seed Fund is the largest grantmaking program offered by Crossroads Fund, aimed at supporting both established and emerging grassroots organizations committed to social change. Based in the Chicago metropolitan area, this fund prioritizes community-based organizations that are dedicated to addressing systemic injustice and inequality through activism, organizing, and related strategies. Funding through the Seed Fund may be used for general operating support, start-up costs, or project-based expenses, with a maximum award of $15,000. Crossroads Fund's mission emphasizes funding groups that promote long-term structural change rather than temporary relief. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to examining and addressing the root causes of injustice, incorporating grassroots leadership at all levels, and working in alliance with other progressive movements. Special priority is given to groups that are collaborative, take risks in addressing controversial or marginalized issues, and show evidence of community impact. Eligibility for the Seed Fund is limited to 501(c)(3) and fiscally-sponsored organizations, as well as groups with organizational bank accounts. Organizations must have had annual expenses under $500,000 in the previous fiscal year. The fund is intended for groups located in the Chicago metropolitan area, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will counties in Illinois, and Lake County in Indiana. National chapters of larger organizations may apply if they demonstrate autonomous local governance and fundraising. The application opens on January 6, 2026, and closes on February 10, 2026. All applications must be submitted through Crossroads Fund’s online portal using access code SEED26. Applicants are required to create an account or log in to begin the submission process. The review period runs from March through June, including site visits or interviews conducted by the Grantmaking Committee. This committee includes staff, board members, and alumni of the Giving Project. Funding decisions are finalized by the board in June, with notifications sent out by early July. The Seed Fund is issued annually, typically with a deadline in February. As such, organizations interested in applying in future cycles can anticipate a similar timeline and are encouraged to review funding criteria and prepare materials in advance. The fund does not support individuals, electoral campaign activities, or standalone direct service work unless clearly linked to social change organizing. Questions about eligibility or application specifics can be directed to Joanna Preston at joanna@crossroadsfund.org or by phone at 773-227-7676.

Review the Funding Criteria thoroughly; early engagement encouraged for feedback; use SEED26 code to unlock the application; align activities with social change organizing