Grassroots Leadership Fund

Grassroots Leadership Fund is sponsored by Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment (in partnership with Kresge Foundation's Climate Resilient and Equitable Water Systems Initiative). This fund supports local activists and small groups addressing climate-driven urban flooding in low-income, historically marginalized communities.

Grassroots Leadership Fund - Rose Foundation Grassroots Leadership Fund The Grassroots Leadership Fund, in partnership with the Kresge Foundation’s Climate Resilient and Equitable Water Systems (CREWS) Initiative, supports local activists across the country, and the small groups they lead, with immediate resources to address climate-driven urban flooding in low-income, historically marginalized communities.

Grassroots leaders participate in a multi-year learning cohort of groups working at the intersection of climate resilience, urban flooding and equity. The cohort provides opportunities for peer learning, networking, and training, as well as individual support and coaching to help groups build organizational capacity.

Start Your Application (opens in new tab) We highly recommend scheduling a call to discuss your eligibility before beginning an application. $15,000 total distributed over two years Applications for Cohort 3 are due by December 13, 2024 Have questions or want to book a consultation? Connect with Aurora Heying, aheying@rosefdn.

org or schedule a call: https://calendly. com/aheying/30min Eligibility and Priorities Groups must be actively working on equity-based climate resiliency approaches to urban stormwater and wastewater systems. Must represent a low-income, historically marginalized community that has been impacted by climate-driven urban flooding.

Have an active interest in growing their internal organizational capacity. Have 501c3 nonprofit status, a fiscal sponsor, or be working towards c3 status. Have limited staff capacity, with only 0-3 paid staff members.

Have an annual budget under $200,000. Have demonstrated an ability to engage local residents or public officials on urban waters issues by convening public events, officials, etc. Project impacts must be in urban areas in the United States.

Issues and Activities We Support Advocacy and programming to address climate-driven urban flooding, green stormwater infrastructure installation, wetlands protection, or disaster response and preparedness Activities such as running educational programs; coordinating neighborhood discussions; planting trees, installing rain barrels, bioswales and other green infrastructure; policy advocacy and community organizing; environmental analysis, disaster planning and relief efforts.

Duration of Support and Grant Size Participants receive $7,500 per year in general support funding. They are also eligible to receive a $1,000 capacity building mini-grant. If you are having any trouble with the application please reach out to Aurora Heying at aheying@rosefdn.

org and we will be happy to assist you. 1. Check Your Project’s Eligibility 2.

Create an Online Account 3. Complete and Submit an Application 1. Check Your Project’s Eligibility Review Eligibility Criteria and Application Materials Please read the eligibility criteria and priorities above before starting an application.

We highly recommend that you schedule a call to discuss your project before beginning an application: https://calendly. com/aheying/30min Review the required application materials (see FAQ “What does the application look like”), and download the application questions here . 2.

Create an Online Account You will be asked to enter your Federal Tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you are fiscally sponsored, please enter your sponsor’s EIN. If you do not have your own EIN or a fiscal sponsor, enter 00-0000000.

3. Complete and Submit an Application Submit an Application Online Once you are signed in to your account, go to the “Apply” menu at the top left of the page and select the application for the current round of the Grassroots Leadership Fund. Remember to save your application as you go.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the “save as draft” button. Applications must be submitted by12PM on the due date. Besides the grant funds, what other activities and resources are included in the program?

Networking & Peer Learning: Grassroots Leaders will meet with each other through group networking sessions and peer learning discussions on common capacity challenges, where they can learn from each other’s experiences, share resources, and tackle common problems together.

Organizational Capacity Assessment: Participants have the option to complete an organizational capacity assessment survey to help identify priority areas for organizational growth.

Personal Coaching and Mentorship Rose staff will provide individualized support, coaching, and advice on their specific capacity building priorities Participants will have access to training webinars on relevant topics, from fundraising for small groups, to board recruitment and communications strategy. What does the application look like? View the application questions here .

Be ready to include the following attachments when you fill out the application online: Organizational income statement from the most recently completed fiscal year. You may use our Financial Template , or attach your own. If you need help putting together a budget or income statement please take a look at our How-To sheet, here .

Press clippings and/or pictures. Newsletters or other publications. What are the reporting requirements?

Grassroots Leadership Fund grantees must report annually. Please log on to our online application system and submit your report there . From grassroots community organizers to groups with nation-wide reach, meet the changemakers supported by Rose grants.

Through advocacy and education, Local Environmental Action Demanded, mobilizes residents, tribal members and agency officials to address toxic pollution and flooding near the Tar Creek Superfund site. Hollygrove Neighbors Association Grantee | New Orleans, LA HNA repurposes vacant lots as community gardens and gathering places while installing green infrastructure to mitigate flooding.

Northeast Action Collective NAC organizes against flooding, disinvestment and inadequate drainage in northeast Houston, pushing government agencies to respond adequately to flooding disasters and invest in better water infrastructure. Grantee | New Orleans, LA A Community Voice helps New Orleans residents develop plans to install bioswales and rain gardens, preparing their communities for floods and hurricanes.

Grantee | Marin County, CA Marin City People’s Plan addresses flooding and storm impacts with Watershed Steward Training, teaching community members to implement nature-based solutions in Marin City. Do you still have questions about this application process or need additional support from Rose Foundation staff? Here are some helpful resources.

Book a 15 minute consultation Online application instructions (opens in new tab) Access Rose Foundation logos See current and past grantees Change is happening! Receive updates on grantee successes, upcoming grants, and opportunities to make a difference. Join our community and be a vital part of the environmental justice movement.