The Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant

The Peace Development Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots activism and social justice initiatives, administers the De Colores Rapid Response Fund. This fund was established in honor of Ray Santiago, a longtime advocate in the farmworker movement, and reflects a legacy of solidarity and community organizing. The fund’s name is inspired by the traditional Mexican folk song “De Colores,” which has historical significance within the United Farm Workers movement and broader labor organizing efforts. Through this initiative, the Peace Development Fund aims to provide timely financial support to grassroots organizations working toward social change. The primary purpose of the De Colores Rapid Response Fund is to support organizing efforts that respond to emerging opportunities for systemic and strategic change, rather than traditional emergency relief or long-term program funding. The fund is designed to quickly deploy small grants to grassroots groups operating in marginalized communities, particularly those representing communities of color, low-income populations, and working-class individuals. These grants are intended to capitalize on moments of heightened public awareness or urgent social conditions, such as protest movements, political shifts, or unexpected crises that create opportunities for meaningful organizing. Funding through this program typically ranges from 500 to 1000 dollars per grant. The fund prioritizes projects with modest budgets, generally under 5000 dollars, and gives preference to organizations with annual budgets under 250000 dollars that may have limited access to traditional philanthropic resources. The program emphasizes rapid turnaround, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis and funding decisions communicated within one to three weeks. Approved applicants can expect to receive grant funds shortly thereafter, allowing them to act quickly on time-sensitive opportunities. Eligibility for the fund is broad but focused on grassroots organizing groups within the United States. Applications are accepted from coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and non-501(c)(3) groups, reflecting the fund’s commitment to supporting a wide range of community-based efforts. However, funding is not available for individual applicants. Additional eligibility criteria include alignment with grassroots organizing principles and a demonstrated ability to respond effectively to emerging opportunities for social impact. The fund explicitly excludes organizations based outside the United States, as well as projects that fall outside its strategic focus. The fund does not support certain types of activities, including budget shortfalls, ongoing or regularly scheduled programs, startup costs, general operating expenses, previously planned campaigns, charity events, or direct service initiatives. Instead, the emphasis is on short-term, high-impact organizing efforts that respond to unanticipated events with clear goals and measurable outcomes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed project aligns with these priorities and contributes to broader social change. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed regularly, making this a rolling opportunity. However, at the time of this notice, the fund is not currently accepting applications, and interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the program for updates on when submissions will reopen. When open, the application process involves submitting a proposal outlining the organizing opportunity, project goals, and budget details. The fund does not specify formal pre-application requirements, but applicants should be prepared to clearly articulate the urgency and strategic importance of their request. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact the Peace Development Fund directly via email or phone. The organization is headquartered in Amherst, Massachusetts, and maintains a commitment to supporting grassroots movements that advance equity, justice, and community empowerment across the United States.