Deadline: 31-January-2026
Each fund has a specific focus, allowing applicants to choose the one that best aligns with their mission and the communities they serve.
Through these three funds, the COG initiative aims to empower small, community-based organizations to create meaningful change. By supporting groups that build collective power and nurture leadership from within affected communities, these grants help strengthen grassroots movements that advance justice, equity, and systemic transformation
The Braiding New Worlds Fund supports youth-led and youth-focused organizing efforts. This fund seeks groups that challenge adultism by placing young people in real leadership roles within their organizations. For this cycle, priority will be given to youth-led initiatives addressing economic justice, housing, immigration, climate, healing justice, and technology. The average grant amount for this fund is $3,000.
The Western Massachusetts Transformation Fund is intended for community organizing groups based in Western Massachusetts. To qualify, organizations must live and work in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, or Hampden County. This fund supports local groups that are driving transformative change in their communities, with an average grant amount of $4,000.
The Seeding the Movement Fund is open to community organizing groups in the United States, Mexico, and Haiti. This year, special attention will be given to organizations that are expanding movements for justice by growing their base of active members or by supporting and training movement leaders. The average grant for this fund is $7,000.
Eligible applicants must have an annual budget of $250,000 or less and operate in the United States, Mexico, or Haiti. Organizations should either hold 501(c)(3) status or work under a U.S.-based fiscal sponsor. Most importantly, applicants must have a strong and direct connection to community organizing efforts.
The program funds small organizations that are actively engaged in community organizing or directly support such efforts. Community organizing builds power in communities most affected by injustice and typically involves relationship-building, leadership development, shared problem analysis, and collective action campaigns. Successful applicants embody the program’s Four Pillars of Community Organizing, which guide the review and selection process.
However, not all initiatives qualify for funding. The program does not support activities outside the United States, Mexico, or Haiti, nor does it fund organizations that focus primarily on services, education, or research unrelated to organizing. Grants are not available for individuals, one-time events, academic institutions, scholarships, lobbying activities, or other grantmaking bodies.
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