Grantmaking Priorities

We focus on social justice for marginalized communities and, in particular, on elevating the voices and leadership of people from those communities.

Because we believe that how we do our work fundamentally influences the results, we seek and encourage organizations that not only further our programs’ missions and goals but also:

• pursue structural changes to root causes of race, class, and gender injustice
• value the active involvement of members of the communities most impacted by the violence and social injustice being addressed
• understand and articulate the impact of their work on Black, Indigenous and other people of color and promote their leadership within the organization
• work through networks, coalitions and alliances
• reflect the spirit of nonviolence in their organizational relations, structure, and process
• demonstrate the capacity to reflect on their experience and adapt to lessons and insights

Criteria

In addition to compatibility with program mission and goals, we look for movements, networks and organizations that shift narratives, center voices and build coalitions of those directly impacted by violence and harm, and:

• that engage in campaigns and activities to create and seize political opportunities to further the goals of the program;
• whose strategies and activities are aligned with their goals and capacity;
• where there is local, regional and/or national collaboration;
• that demonstrate an ability to educate, mobilize and effectively engage allies in strategic campaigns;
• that are nimble and reflective and able to adapt based on experiences, lessons and insights;
• where organizational structure, decision-making and the work reflects consistency between means and ends.

Other Considerations

We value partnerships and ongoing relationships and see them as an opportunity to build trust and deepen collaboration. Therefore, we seek outstanding, committed, capable and visionary groups/individuals and we are open to the possibility of developing long-term collaborations.

One-time events or experiences without effective follow-up or on-going relationships with the participants are generally NOT funded.

We will consider groups who are taking risks that are creative and who may not have an established track record, but who have a clear vision and plan, the capacity to think strategically, and are consistent with broader campaigns.

We will consider funding distribution of a media production that is linked to movement building, but we won’t fund production costs.

We look for mobilization more than research. Research is essential to social change work and campaigns, and there are some organizations that do excellent work in this regard. Nevertheless, we will only consider funding research if it addresses an identified need to advance campaign activities or movement building.

We tend to support education and direct service efforts only as a complement of, or when tied to, a larger social change process such as policy change campaigns, leadership development of directly impacted people, building proofs of concept that can be models for future advocacy, and similar efforts.

Regarding finances and financial resources: We look for financial integrity and accountability within the organization. We weigh the value of our financial support within the context of the overall finances of the organization.

Grant Process

Funding is considered by invitation only, in consultation with key partners in each field.

Death Penalty Abolition grants are considered in coordination with the US Campaign to End Death Penalty.