Deadline: 15-Aug-22
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is seeking applications for its National Grassroots Organizing Program to offer one-year general operating support grants to small, non-profit grassroots organizations throughout the United States and its territories that are not located in the state of Vermont.
They prioritize organizations that are led by and center the leadership and agency of Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color that approach their work using anti-oppression values – consciously striving to dismantle systems of oppression and the legacies of white supremacy culture in this country while working toward a more just and equitable society.
The goals are to further racial equity, social justice, and environmental justice, the primary purpose is to support the grassroots organizing strategies and activities of the grant partners, rather than any specific issues the organizations are addressing.
Grassroots Organizing Strategies
- They recognize the following practices to be important components of effective grassroots organizing efforts:
- Community & ally outreach
- Leadership development
- Constituent empowerment & decision-making
- Popular education
- Root cause analysis
- Power analysis
- Campaign Development
- Mobilizing Constituents & allies
- Coalition building
- Non-violent direct action (NVDA)
Funding Information
- Grants of up to $30,000, with an average grant size of $20,000.
- An annual operating budget under $350,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be considered for funding, each applicant organization must have:
- Grassroots organizing as the primary strategy
- Non-profit 501(c)3 status, or a fiscal agent with this status
- Be U.S.-based and U.S.-focused
Areas Not Funded
- Unfortunately, they cannot consider requests for:
- Programs that solely provide direct services to individuals, families, or communities
- Internationally oriented programs
- Organizations with an annual budget over $350,000
- Discretionary or emergency support
- Donations or sponsorships
- Schools or programs for schools
- Colleges or universities
- Individuals or scholarship programs
- Research, litigation, or legal expenses
- Capital or endowment campaigns
- State agencies or government programs
- Businesses or business associations
- Religious activities
- Arts or Media programs
- Other foundations or regranting organizations
- Organizations based in Vermont should apply under the Vermont grant programs
For more information, visit https://benandjerrysfoundation.org/national-grants/#strategies