Applications Open for 2021 CZI Community Fund – United States

Deadline: 17-Aug-2020

Applicants are now invited to submit applications for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) 2021 Community Fund.

The CZI Community Fund supports local organizations that are leading work to bring increased equity, power, and opportunity to communities in and around Redwood City, where CZI is headquartered.

The 2021 CZI Community Fund will prioritize organizations serving Belle Haven, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations interested in funding through the CZI Community Fund must meet the following criteria:

Tax status: Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; have a valid fiscal agent or sponsor that is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or be a local municipality or government agency.
Organization Budget: Given the length of the CZI Community Fund grants (one year), funding from the Community Fund will not make up more than 25 percent of an organization’s full budget.
Availability for a Meeting: Organizations that move beyond the internal review process must be willing and available to participate in a one-hour meeting with CZI staff in September 2020.
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Grantee Status: Organizations and sponsored projects with General Support grants from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative that end on or before December 31, 2020 are eligible to apply for funding from the 2021 CZI Community Fund. Organizations with grants from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative that extend beyond December 31, 2020 are not eligible to apply for funding from the 2021 CZI Community Fund.
Local School Districts: CZI supports local school districts in various ways, however, does not support them through the CZI Community Fund.

Evaluation Criteria

All proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Response to Community: Preference will be given to organizations that support the economic and social well-being of marginalized communities including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other people of color; immigrants, regardless of documentation status; and people who identify as LGBTQIA+. These organizations are providing resources and services to support basic needs — like housing and food assistance, education, and job skills training — and galvanizing community power and voice to build an inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone. These organizations should be serving the San Mateo County communities of Belle Haven, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City.
Community Engagement:Preference will be given to organizations that (1) center the voices of those with lived experience, and (2) demonstrate a long-term commitment and connection to the communities they serve.
Intended Impact(s): Preference will be given to organizations that (1) demonstrate a clear and nuanced analysis of the issue(s) and the historical and local context; (2) clearly outline their approach to addressing the issue(s); (3) define what short-, medium- and long-term success looks like; and (4) identify potential challenges and possible solutions for those challenges.
Leadership, Staff, and Governance: Preference will be given to organizations whose leadership, staff, and governance (1) have deep experience in the communities of Belle Haven, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, and/or Redwood City; and (2) reflect the rich diversity and stories of the communities they serve.
Collaboration: Preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate a collaborative spirit through (1) an awareness of available overlapping and complementary efforts and services; (2) a desire to partner to increase impact, where appropriate; and (3) an understanding of local community context and the desire and ability to leverage existing community relationships and/or build new ones.
Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability: Preference will be given to organizations that can effectively receive and responsibly spend grant dollars, as demonstrated by (1) a clear budget narrative that articulates how grant dollars will be used, as well as a plan for financial sustainability beyond the CZI Community Fund grant cycle, and (2) documentation.