Sustaining Grants

Haymarket People's Fund is a long-standing, anti-racist, multi-cultural foundation based in New England, dedicated to supporting grassroots organizations engaged in systemic social change. Since 1974, Haymarket has contributed to nearly every major social justice movement in the region. The foundation’s mission is to fund and empower community-led efforts that target the root causes of injustice. Its approach prioritizes self-determination, community accountability, leadership development, and organizing that dismantles institutional power structures. Haymarket's commitment extends beyond grantmaking, encompassing capacity building and fostering a culture of philanthropy within communities. Haymarket currently offers two grant types: Sustaining Grants and Urgent Response Grants. Sustaining Grants, the primary focus of this cycle, provide up to $20,000 for grassroots organizations across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. These grants support both general operating costs and project-specific work and are designed for both emerging and established movement-building groups. Applicants are evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria including anti-racist values, leadership development, movement-building capacity, community accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to organizing for systemic change. A key condition for eligibility is that the applying group must have an annual operating budget under $400,000. Applicants for Sustaining Grants must submit completed proposals by 5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Groups that have not received funding from Haymarket within the past three years are required to speak with a staff member by December 1, 2025, in order to receive an application package. Returning grantees from the last three years will receive application materials automatically in October 2025. Completed applications must be submitted via email or postal mail by the deadline; late submissions will not be considered. Selected groups will be notified in early spring if they advance to the interview stage, with final grant decisions announced in June 2026. Urgent Response Grants offer up to $5,000 to grassroots groups facing unforeseen crises or rapid-response opportunities. These funds are designed to help groups react promptly to critical events impacting their communities. However, this funding stream is not intended for ongoing programming, anticipated costs, financial shortfalls, or missed deadlines. Applications for Urgent Response Grants are accepted on a rolling basis and decisions are communicated within 2–4 weeks. The evaluation process for all applications is rigorous and grounded in a commitment to racial and social justice. Haymarket’s Funding Panel, composed of regional organizers accountable to their communities, makes funding decisions in alignment with the foundation’s mission. Applicants do not need 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor; they must only demonstrate that their work aligns with charitable or educational purposes as defined by the IRS. Haymarket maintains a firm stance on funding community organizing, rather than direct services or individual empowerment, unless these are part of a larger organizing strategy. For more information or to schedule a required pre-application call, contact Jaime at jaime@haymarket.org or 617-522-7676 ext. 115. All grant application materials are available through Haymarket’s office upon confirmation of eligibility. This program reflects Haymarket’s dedication to resourcing community-led movements and building long-term capacity for social justice across New England.

Prioritize demonstrating anti-racist organizing strategy and accountability to community; late submissions not accepted.