Hudson Valley Organizing Grants

The Hudson Valley Organizing Grants, administered by North Star Fund, are designed to provide sustained support for grassroots groups that are deeply engaged in community organizing within the Hudson Valley region of New York. North Star Fund is a private philanthropic organization that backs movements led by and for communities impacted by injustice. The organization emphasizes long-term, systemic change driven by the leadership of people directly affected by oppressive systems, particularly those rooted in racism and capitalism. These grants aim to foster grassroots organizations that organize community members to collectively build power, influence policy, and pursue systemic change. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the principles of community organizing, such as identifying systemic injustices, naming institutional targets, and mobilizing directly impacted individuals. Funding is available for both emerging and established groups. While new organizations may not meet all organizing criteria, they are encouraged to apply if they are engaging in public mobilization, inclusive leadership development, and root-cause analysis of injustice. Grant awards are typically $20,000, and the exact award is determined by the Hudson Valley Community Funding Committee based on how well applicants align with North Star Fund’s mission. Multi-year grants may be awarded without requiring additional materials. Eligible organizations must have a Hudson Valley-specific organizing budget under $800,000 and must be active in at least one of the following counties: Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, or Westchester. North Star Fund does not fund organizations focused solely on direct services unless they clearly integrate organizing into their approach. Applications are reviewed by an all-volunteer Community Funding Committee composed of local organizing experts. Some applicants may be invited for a site visit as part of the review process. The current cycle accepts applications starting February 19, 2025, with a submission deadline of March 31, 2025, at 9 PM Eastern Time. While rapid response grants are accepted on a rolling basis, the regular organizing grants follow this application cycle. Application decisions are typically communicated within three months after the deadline. Interested applicants must register and submit their application via JustFund.us. Required documents include the organization’s operating budget, salary information for key staff, and either a 501(c)(3) letter or a fiscal sponsorship agreement. Organizations without a fiscal sponsor may still apply but must secure one before grant funds are disbursed. For additional assistance or questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Gabriela Quintanilla, Hudson Valley Program Officer, at gabriela@northstarfund.org or by phone at 332-240-1683.

Focus on systemic change and grassroots organizing; align clearly with priority counties and demonstrate leadership from impacted communities