Just Futures Initiative Grant

The Just Futures Initiative Grant Opportunity is administered by Borealis Philanthropy, a philanthropic intermediary dedicated to advancing an inclusive, multiracial democracy through investments in social justice movements. Borealis focuses on supporting organizations and leaders working on issues such as community safety, justice reform, and civic participation. This initiative builds on Borealis longstanding commitment to resourcing grassroots and frontline organizations that are closest to the impacts of criminalization, exclusion, and systemic inequities. The program is positioned within the organization Community Safety and Justice portfolio and reflects a broader strategy to invest in transformative approaches to safety and democracy. The primary purpose of the Just Futures Initiative is to provide flexible funding to organizations, coalitions, and emerging formations that are advancing community-defined safety, protecting civil and human rights, and strengthening democratic participation. The initiative is designed to support efforts that move away from punitive systems and instead promote care-based, community-rooted solutions. Funding is intended to enable strategies that build local infrastructure for safety, protect protest and civic engagement, and create conditions for belonging, particularly in communities most impacted by criminalization and state violence. Funding is offered as general operating support for a 12-month period, allowing grantees flexibility in how funds are used to achieve their stated goals. Standard grant awards typically range from 50000 to 100000, with most awards expected to fall between 50000 and 75000. Larger collaborative or ecosystem-focused grants may reach up to 200000 when justified. Applicants are advised that funding requests should generally not exceed 30 percent of their total annual organizational budget unless a strong rationale is provided. There are no explicit matching requirements stated for this program. Eligibility is limited to organizations based in the United States or its territories that are recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or are fiscally sponsored projects. Applicants must generally have annual operating budgets under 2 million and demonstrate strong ties to communities most impacted by criminalization, policing, and related systems. The initiative prioritizes grassroots organizations and coalitions with a clear power-building and organizing strategy. Additional priority is given to groups operating in underfunded regions such as the Southern United States, rural areas, and locations experiencing heightened threats to civil rights and democratic participation. The application process consists of two stages. First, interested organizations must complete an eligibility quiz to determine qualification. Eligible applicants are then invited to submit a Letter of Interest outlining their proposed work, strategy, outcomes, and organizational readiness. Selected applicants from this stage are invited to submit a full proposal, which includes a more detailed narrative, budget information, and organizational background. This staged approach allows the funder to efficiently assess alignment before requesting more comprehensive materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while funding remains available, meaning there is no fixed submission deadline. The review process prioritizes alignment with the initiative goals, feasibility of the proposed strategy, potential for meaningful impact, and demonstrated accountability to impacted communities. Successful applicants may also be invited to participate in peer learning opportunities and collaborative spaces to strengthen the broader ecosystem of organizations working toward shared goals. The initiative represents an ongoing funding effort rather than a one-time opportunity, although it is described as an inaugural round of grantmaking. Award notifications are made on a rolling basis following the review of submitted proposals. The program emphasizes adaptability, allowing grantees to adjust their strategies over the funding period in response to evolving community needs and emerging opportunities. No specific contact person or direct communication channel is provided in the source material, though organizations are encouraged to engage through the official application process and related resources.

Align proposal with community impact and demonstrate strong community accountability and feasible strategy