Crossroads Community Fund: Startup Grant

Crossroads Community Fund: Startup Grant is sponsored by Crossroads Community Fund. The Startup Grant supports the establishment of new businesses led by individuals from disinvested communities (e. g.

, Black, POC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups) to help these businesses take root and positively impact their communities.

DownRoot Fund | Community Biz Grants by Crossroads Coalition The DownRoot Fund exists to promote community ownership and community control . For too long, traditional economic systems have extracted resources, displaced communities, and concentrated wealth away from the people most impacted. DownRoot takes a different approach.

By supporting community-driven initiatives, the fund helps lay down lasting roots in Buffalo and across Western New York. DownRoot invests in projects that build an economy where people have real control over their workplaces, neighborhoods, and economic futures. Through strategic grants, the fund strengthens organizations and initiatives that advance shared wealth, democratic ownership, and community leadership .

The DownRoot Fund provides targeted support for organizations, businesses, and artists working to strengthen community-based economic systems. Our funding prioritizes initiatives led by individuals and groups from historically marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and others who have been historically excluded from traditional economic opportunities.

Through four distinct grant programs, DownRoot supports both the preservation of existing institutions and the creation of new models for community ownership and shared prosperity. The Preserve Grant helps sustain existing businesses and nonprofits that serve and are led by individuals from historically disinvested communities. These grants help organizations remain rooted in place while continuing to serve their communities.

Priority is given to organizations led by: Black and other People of Color Other historically marginalized groups By preserving community-based institutions, the fund helps protect neighborhood stability and long-term economic resilience. The Build Grant supports new collaborative projects that expand shared ownership and democratic control within the local economy.

Funding may support initiatives such as: Worker-owned or consumer-owned cooperatives Housing and real estate cooperatives Nonprofit initiatives with democratic governance structures Other projects that promote shared wealth and shared decision-making The goal of the Build Grant is to help launch innovative models that strengthen community power and create lasting economic opportunity.

The Startup Grant supports the start-up of new businesses led by individuals from disinvested communities (i.e. Black, POC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups), to help these businesses take root and positively impact their communities.

Priority is given to startup businesses led by: Black and other People of Color Other historically marginalized groups The Startup Grant is intended to support underserved entrepreneurs to start new ventures that have positive community impact. The Create Grant supports individual artists and collaborative arts projects that bring alive the vision and goals of the Just Transition Framework.

Frontline artists are those who are first and most impacted by climate, economic, and racial injustice , yet play a critical role in shaping culture, storytelling, and community expression.

Creative projects led by individual artists Collaborative cultural initiatives Cultural work that uplifts frontline communities Through the Create Grant, the DownRoot Fund recognizes the vital role of art and culture in building resilient and connected communities. To apply for a DownRoot grant, applicants must create an account through the Impact Charitable Online Portal .

Once registered, applicants can submit their project information, required documentation, and supporting materials through the portal during the open application periods. Apply for a DownRoot Grant The DownRoot Fund accepts applications during the following periods in 2026: September 1 - September 30 Award Decisions: November Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the final day of each application window .

All applicants will receive a response once the review process is completed, whether their application is awarded or declined. Click here to read answers to frequently asked questions about the DownRoot Fund: DownRoot FAQ If you have questions about the DownRoot Fund or need assistance with your application, our team is here to help.

For time-sensitive projects outside the standard application cycles , please contact us to discuss your needs. Email: downroot@crossroadscommunityfund. org