Private Social Advocacy Grants

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is seeking applications for its "Developing Recommendations for Disaggregating Data Within the Asian American Population" grant program. This initiative aligns directly with RWJF's broader mission to advance data equity, particularly by making historically underrepresented populations more visible in data collection, analysis, and reporting. Since 2015, RWJF has consistently supported research and advocacy efforts aimed at updating policies for race and ethnicity data to ensure fair consideration of diverse groups in policy creation, resource allocation, and program design and implementation. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the diverse Asian American population. The program's impact goal is to develop community-informed and evidence-based recommendations for clustering this population into smaller, actionable subgroups for race and ethnicity data collection and analysis. This approach aims to address the historical underrepresentation and lack of visibility of specific Asian American subgroups in data, ultimately leading to more equitable policies and programs that are responsive to their unique needs. The grant program prioritizes a multifaceted research project that will yield practical recommendations for Asian American subgroup categories. The focus is on developing methods that are feasible for real-world implementation, ensuring that the research translates into actionable changes in data practices. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive set of recommendations that guide researchers on how to more accurately and meaningfully disaggregate data within the Asian American population. These recommendations are intended to improve the quality and utility of race and ethnicity data, leading to better-informed decision-making and more equitable outcomes. RWJF's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in advancing health equity, and this grant reflects a key component of that strategy: addressing systemic inequities through improved data. By focusing on data disaggregation, RWJF's theory of change posits that more granular and accurate data will reveal disparities and needs that are currently masked by broad racial and ethnic categories. This enhanced visibility is expected to empower communities, inform evidence-based policy changes, and ultimately contribute to a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities, thereby improving health and well-being for all.

The Tarrant Foundation awards between 50 – 70 competitive grants annually. Because we believe we can have the most impact by concentrating these funds in Vermont, applications are accepted only from Vermont organizations. Seniors: Comfort and Dignity in Aging We believe in ensuring that seniors’ most basic needs are met, and in community-based supports that promote wellbeing and fight the premature limitation of independence. Our focus includes: independent living, nutrition, and activity & enrichment.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in San Diego County that support teen mothers, foster youth transitioning from the child welfare system, communities facing antisemitism, and women affected by domestic violence or sexual assault.

The Strengthening the Sector grants program, offered by The Music Man Foundation, is designed to provide initiative-based support to organizations that are actively catalyzing systemic change at the policy level. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by focusing on efforts that reflect music within the organization's activities, underscoring a commitment to arts and community vitality. The foundation seeks to empower non-profit organizations that have a proven track record of mission-aligned programming and have sustained at least one paid employee since March 2023. This strategic focus ensures that the grants support established entities capable of driving significant and lasting change. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit organizations that are actively engaged in music-related efforts and operate with a service jurisdiction that includes Los Angeles County, the state of California, or the entire United States. However, it's crucial that programs not focused on California will not be eligible, highlighting a specific geographical priority for the foundation's impact. The primary impact goal is to foster systemic change at the policy level within the arts and community vitality sectors, with a particular emphasis on music's role. The foundation aims to support initiatives that lead to sustainable impacts and demonstrate a clear understanding of the systems they seek to influence. The program prioritizes initiatives that involve advocacy training and tools to build capacity for individuals to proactively influence issues impacting arts and community vitality. Additionally, it focuses on research collection and action plans designed at a scale that can impact policy and field-wide practices. Key focuses include demonstrating accomplishments in systems change, a clear connection between initiatives and systemic change, and a well-defined vision for future intentions. Music must be a primary component of the initiative's efforts, and strategic collaborations or partnerships that reflect intentional efforts to influence system dynamics are highly valued. Expected outcomes include organizations achieving demonstrable accomplishments in systems change and creating sustainable impacts through their programming. Grant recipients are expected to have a clear understanding of the system they aim to impact and be well-positioned to drive that change. Measurable results will stem from the organization's capacity to identify and track progress towards key milestones, both for the organization itself and for the broader system it is impacting. The Music Man Foundation's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in fostering policy-level systemic change, leveraging music as a core element, and supporting organizations with a strong capacity for execution and a clear theory of change that links their initiatives to tangible, lasting impacts.

The Asian Community Fund (ACF) at The Boston Foundation is offering grants for its 2024 cycle to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to develop, strengthen, and support AAPI community power, galvanize diverse ethnicities within this community, and build a stronger advocacy voice. The ACF's overarching goal is to advocate for equal access for AAPI individuals in all aspects of society and to collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to overcome injustice and racism. The grantmaking approach is rooted in strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to foster systemic impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts, or those with a qualifying fiscal agent, that primarily serve the AAPI community. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on catalyzing new partnerships, expanding the capacity of local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and responding to emerging community needs. Expected outcomes include increased AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change through convening activities, innovative solutions to systemic gaps facing AAPI residents, and expanded reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Organizations will be evaluated based on their mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. The program prioritizes several key areas of focus. These include supporting general operating costs for eligible organizations and projects. Funding will specifically support three types of work: Convening, which brings communities together to elevate AAPI visibility and foster solidarity; Catalyzing, which fuels new collaborations and innovations to address systemic gaps; and Capacity Building, which expands the reach of programs focused on policy and systems change. Priority will also be given to organizations serving underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, those not previously funded by ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. This targeted approach demonstrates the foundation's strategic commitment to equitable distribution of resources and empowerment of diverse AAPI segments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its emphasis on strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and driving policy and systems change. The ACF believes that by investing in convening, catalyzing, and capacity building initiatives, it can create a ripple effect, leading to increased community power, stronger advocacy, and ultimately, greater equity for AAPI residents in Massachusetts. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, are designed to support organizations in achieving these objectives. While the initial grant size was advertised as $10,000 to $100,000, the funding considerations specify a range of $5,000 to $15,000 for general operating support. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024 and will be expected to share their experiences and impact in summer 2025, providing measurable results and demonstrating the effectiveness of the foundation's theory of change.

This funding opportunity supports community-led health initiatives in Miami-Dade County, Florida, focusing on improving health outcomes for chronic conditions and maternal/child health through local partnerships and resources.

Value: The Highland Area Community Foundation (H.A.C.F.) appears to be offering a grant for community-related projects. Applicants are required to submit a proposal narrative that includes a description of the organization's general purpose, objectives, and operational scope; a statement of the problem addressed; details on the purpose and expectations of the specific project for which funding is sought, including its relevance to community needs; a proposed program design; and a detailed project budget including other funding sources. Funds must be used specifically for the purpose stated in the grant award, and a progress report with photos is required within 12 months of receiving the award.

The Thief River Falls Area Community Fund is inviting applications for grants from nonprofit or public entities within the Thief River Falls School District area. Grants are intended for projects, programs, or activities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Thief River Falls area. Primary focus areas include youth engagement, social need, senior enrichment, and overall quality of life enhancement. Applications are open until May 1, 2024. The fund is a component of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, which serves 12 northwestern Minnesota counties. More information and application details can be found on their website.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon that advocate for integrated and affordable housing solutions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on empowering self-advocates and eliminating systemic barriers.

The Seybert Foundation Innovation Grants Program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to Philadelphia-based nonprofits serving youth, to fund innovative projects in areas such as education reform, youth advocacy, and workforce development, with a focus on testing new approaches or pursuing opportunities for significant change.

The Batchelor Foundation Grant Program primarily supports programmatic grants, with occasional consideration for capital grants, focusing on aligning with the foundation's mission of community improvement in South Florida. The foundation prioritizes projects and programs with clearly defined, targeted outcomes, indicating a strategic approach to philanthropy that seeks measurable impact rather than broad support. This structured approach suggests a theory of change where targeted interventions in key areas lead to demonstrable positive changes within the community. The target beneficiaries of the Batchelor Foundation's grants are diverse, encompassing children, animals, and the natural environment. Specifically, the foundation supports programs that assist children in education, health, and general well-being. Additionally, it funds programs providing shelter, food, and medicine to animals, and initiatives protecting or educating the public about the natural environment. Some consideration is also given to charitable work for homeless programs and veteran services. These diverse areas of focus highlight the foundation's broad commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable populations and the environment within its designated geographic region. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly articulated, emphasizing projects with well-defined outcomes. This strategic priority reflects a desire for accountability and demonstrable results from the grants awarded. The Batchelor Foundation places the highest priority on nonprofits located and providing charitable work in the South Florida counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe. This geographic focus underscores a commitment to local impact and a deep understanding of the specific needs within these communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the Batchelor Foundation's grant-making philosophy, as evidenced by its emphasis on proposals with "clearly defined, targeted outcomes." While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "targeted outcomes" implies that successful proposals will articulate how their programs will lead to tangible and quantifiable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries or the health of the environment. The grant period is generally one year, suggesting a focus on short to medium-term impacts that can be assessed within that timeframe. The foundation's overall strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on investing in well-managed, outcome-oriented programs that address critical needs in the South Florida community, thereby fostering a more educated, healthy, and protected environment for its residents and wildlife.

The AARP Foundation is offering a grant opportunity to organizations seeking to increase their impact by piloting a scaling strategy. This aligns with the AARP Foundation's mission to materially improve the circumstances of people aged 50 and over with incomes at or below 250% of the poverty line, lift their income above this threshold, or prevent them from falling below it. The Foundation also prioritizes programs that consult older adults in their development and implementation or create volunteer opportunities for them. This funding opportunity aims to support organizations in expanding their reach and depth to engage a larger audience, thereby addressing urgent problems faced by this demographic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals aged 50 and over who are living with low income. The impact goals are to improve the financial well-being of this population through direct services or non-direct services such as capacity building, systems change, or implementation. The Foundation is particularly interested in projects serving older adults in 22 specific U.S. states and territories that exhibit high levels of senior poverty, including Alabama, Arizona, and Puerto Rico, among others. Organizations from anywhere in the U.S. are eligible, but those serving populations disproportionately affected by systemic barriers, racial and ethnic disparities, and other harmful biases will be prioritized. The AARP Foundation's strategic priorities for this grant focus on scaling existing work to achieve greater impact. This can involve leveraging partnerships to increase program reach, using collaborative or coalition models to enhance organizational capacity, engaging new partners for policy implementation (excluding legislative advocacy), expanding public-private partnerships, applying effective systems-level approaches to new areas, or incorporating innovative strategies into existing programs. These diverse approaches reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting organizations in scaling their effective programs, a broader positive impact on the economic security of older adults can be achieved. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increasing the number of 50+ individuals whose circumstances are materially improved, whose income is lifted above 250% of the poverty line, or who are prevented from falling below it. The grant aims to foster expanded reach and depth of programs, engaging larger audiences and demonstrating the effectiveness of various scaling strategies. The total program funding for this opportunity is up to $2 million, supporting projects for up to three years, indicating a commitment to sustained impact and the development of robust, scalable solutions to senior poverty.

The MIT Environmental Solutions Journalism Fellowship offers $10,000 plus up to $5,000 for expenses to U.S. journalists, both freelance and staff, to develop a news project that localizes the impact of climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy, with a focus on local perspectives and solutions, aiming to engage and empower their audience.

This grant provides $100,000 over two years to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming that focus on building community power and leadership among diverse groups, with a priority for those led by BIPOC and working in rural or reservation areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Native women-led organizations addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples in the U.S.

This grant seeks a skilled grant writer to help secure funding for a memorial and healing center dedicated to honoring the victims and survivors of a tragic mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, while promoting healing, education, and social justice.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Philadelphia and Camden that create free outdoor programs to help underserved communities access and enjoy parks, trails, and waterways.

Progressive Multiplier offers grants, loans, and resources to progressive nonprofits, supporting them in scaling their projects and revenue generation efforts, with a focus on issues like clean energy, climate change, economic justice, and various rights, while also encouraging outreach across political divides.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that explore how race, citizenship, and public policy impact the integration and outcomes of immigrants in the United States.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Minnesota that provide essential services to individuals and families facing housing and food insecurity, helping them acquire necessary tools and infrastructure to improve their support efforts.