Deadline: 06-Apr-2026
Organizing Grant provides funding to U.S.-based activist organizations working toward systemic change, supporting both projects and general operating costs. Grants range up to $10,000, prioritizing newly founded or underfunded organizations with creative approaches to organizing.
What is the Organizing Grant?
The Organizing Grant is a funding program designed to support activist organizations and initiatives in the United States that aim to advance systemic change. The program focuses on organizations with limited access to traditional funding streams, enabling them to pursue bold, innovative, and goal-oriented organizing projects. Funding can be applied toward specific organizing initiatives or general operating expenses that help achieve the organization’s mission.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status
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Groups operating with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor
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Newly founded or existing organizations engaged in activist organizing
Important: Applicants must focus on collective or group-based organizing work rather than individual projects or assistance.
Eligibility Restrictions
The grant does not support:
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Individuals or personal projects
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Legal services, therapy, healing work, or mutual aid (except as a minor component)
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Organizations with annual budgets exceeding $250,000
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Lobbying, political campaigns, or university-affiliated projects
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Artistic initiatives (art, film, dance) unless minor components of organizing
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Tuition, scholarships, or direct personal assistance
Funding and Limits
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Maximum grant award: $10,000 (most grants around $5,000)
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Multi-year funding may be considered depending on project scope
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Funding supports both project-specific initiatives and general operating costs
Why It Matters
The Organizing Grant strengthens organizations that work toward systemic change, allowing them to:
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Expand capacity for organizing projects
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Implement creative and bold strategies for social impact
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Access resources despite limited traditional funding
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Build sustainable organizational infrastructure
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization is U.S.-based, under the $250,000 budget cap, and meets 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsorship requirements.
Step 2: Define Your Project or Operating Needs
Outline the organizing initiative, clear goals, target impact, and how funding will support either project implementation or general operations.
Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through the funder’s official application portal, providing all requested organizational information, project descriptions, and budgets.
Step 4: Review and Award
Applications are evaluated based on the organization’s potential for systemic change, creativity in approach, and clarity of goals. Selected organizations receive funding to advance their organizing work.
Tips for Applicants
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Emphasize collective impact rather than individual assistance
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Focus on innovative and bold organizing strategies
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Keep your operating budget below $250,000
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Clearly distinguish minor artistic or mutual aid components from the main organizing project
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Avoid including ineligible activities such as lobbying, political campaigns, or university projects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Organizing Grant? U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or operating under a fiscal sponsor.
2. Can individuals apply? No, the grant supports collective or organizational efforts only.
3. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to $10,000, with most grants around $5,000.
4. Are multi-year grants possible? In some cases, depending on the project scope and needs.
5. Are artistic initiatives eligible? Only if they are a minor component of an organizing project.
6. Can the grant fund tuition or scholarships? No, the grant does not cover individual educational expenses.
7. Are lobbying or political projects eligible? No, these activities are not supported.
Conclusion
The Organizing Grant 2026 provides essential funding to activist organizations in the U.S., helping them advance systemic change through creative and goal-oriented projects. Eligible organizations can leverage the grant to strengthen their organizing capacity, implement innovative initiatives, and make a meaningful social impact.
For more information, visit AJ Muste Foundation for Peace and Justice.