Deadline: 18-Feb-2026
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation National Grassroots Organizing Program provides unrestricted general operating grants of up to $30,000 to small, community-based organizations in the United States. The program supports constituent-led, grassroots groups working to confront social and environmental injustice by building collective power and enabling communities most affected by inequity to lead change.
Overview
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation National Grassroots Organizing Program supports community-based, constituent-led organizations that are actively confronting social and environmental injustice in the United States and its territories.
The program prioritizes grassroots collective-action organizing that empowers people most directly impacted by injustice to lead, decide, and shape strategies for meaningful and lasting change.
Funding is provided as unrestricted general operating support, allowing organizations the flexibility to strengthen their core work and sustain long-term organizing efforts.
Program Purpose and Core Goals
The program is designed to:
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Address systemic inequity and injustice
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Advance social and environmental justice
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Support grassroots and community-based organizing
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Build political power among impacted communities
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Enable long-term, community-driven change
All supported work must center leadership, decision-making, and accountability within the communities directly affected by the issues being addressed.
Key Focus Areas and Supported Activities
Ben & Jerry’s Foundation supports organizations engaged in:
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Grassroots collective-action organizing
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Social and environmental justice campaigns
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Building political and civic power at the community level
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Outreach, base-building, and ally development
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Educational activities that inform, mobilize, and activate communities
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Community-led strategies to create positive and lasting change
Advocacy efforts must be rooted in organizing rather than service delivery or short-term programming.
Grant Amount and Funding Structure
The National Grassroots Organizing Program offers:
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Maximum grant amount: Up to $30,000
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Average grant size: Approximately $20,000
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Funding type: Unrestricted general operating support
These grants are specifically intended to strengthen the overall capacity and sustainability of small grassroots organizations.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be a grassroots, community-based organization
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Prioritize collective-action organizing as the primary strategy for social change
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Have an annual operating budget under $350,000
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Be based in the United States or U.S. territories
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Focus exclusively on U.S.-based work
Organizational status requirements:
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Hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, or
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Operate with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor or fiscal agent
Core Organizing Principles
Funded organizations are expected to demonstrate:
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Leadership by people directly impacted by the issues
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Clear decision-making power within affected communities
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Thoughtful analysis of the problems being addressed
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Defined goals to gain rights and build collective political power
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Organizing strategies that aim for structural and lasting change
The foundation does not support organizations where impacted communities are merely participants rather than decision-makers.
What Types of Organizations Are a Good Fit?
Strong applicants typically:
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Are led by constituents most affected by injustice
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Run ongoing grassroots campaigns rather than isolated projects
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Focus on systemic change rather than individual services
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Have clear organizing plans with measurable goals
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Build long-term community power and leadership
Organizations centered primarily on direct service delivery, research, or policy analysis without a strong organizing component are generally not competitive.
How the Grant Works
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Grants support overall organizational operations
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Funds may be used flexibly to support organizing campaigns
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Organizations are expected to continue community-led decision-making
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Emphasis is placed on sustainability and long-term impact
The foundation values trust-based philanthropy and seeks to reduce unnecessary restrictions on grantees.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
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Confirm that grassroots organizing is your primary strategy
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Ensure your organization meets the budget and legal eligibility criteria
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Clearly articulate the injustice you are addressing
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Demonstrate how impacted community members lead and make decisions
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Outline your organizing goals, strategies, and desired outcomes
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Submit the application according to Ben & Jerry’s Foundation guidelines
Why This Grant Matters
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation National Grassroots Organizing Program plays a vital role in:
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Strengthening grassroots movements across the U.S.
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Supporting organizations led by impacted communities
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Advancing social and environmental justice from the ground up
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Building durable political power at the local and national levels
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Enabling small organizations to sustain long-term organizing work
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without a clear grassroots organizing focus
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Emphasizing service delivery over collective-action campaigns
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Lacking constituent leadership or decision-making power
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Applying with an operating budget above the eligibility threshold
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Proposing work outside the United States
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum grant amount available?
Organizations can receive up to $30,000 in unrestricted general operating support.
2. Are these project-based or unrestricted grants?
These are unrestricted general operating support grants.
3. Who can apply for this program?
Small grassroots organizations in the U.S. with annual budgets under $350,000 that prioritize collective-action organizing.
4. Is 501(c)(3) status required?
Yes. Applicants must either have 501(c)(3) status or work with a fiscal sponsor that does.
5. Does the foundation fund organizations outside the U.S.?
No. All funded work must be based exclusively in the United States or its territories.
6. What type of work is most competitive?
Constituent-led, grassroots organizing campaigns focused on systemic social or environmental justice.
7. Are service delivery or charitable programs eligible?
Only if they are part of a broader grassroots organizing strategy; service-only programs are generally not funded.
Conclusion
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation National Grassroots Organizing Program offers critical, flexible funding for small, community-led organizations working to dismantle injustice and build collective power. By centering grassroots leadership and unrestricted support, the program strengthens movements that create lasting social and environmental change across the United States.
For more information, visit Ben and Jerry’s Foundation.
