NYC Organizing Grants

NYC Organizing Grants is sponsored by North Star Fund. North Star Fund provides grants to organizations whose primary strategy is grassroots organizing. These grants, in the form of general operating support, are intended for both new and emerging organizations as well as established movement builders.

They focus on small organizations that typically lack access to support from national foundations.

NYC Organizing Grants - North Star Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) This fund is not currently accepting applications. But we accept Rapid Response grant applications from new and current grantees on an ongoing basis (rolling deadline—apply any time). Para información en español, por favor llame a Gabriela al 332-240-1683.

North Star Fund provides grants to organizations whose primary strategy is grassroots organizing . These grants, in the form of general operating support, are intended for both new and emerging organizations as well as established movement builders with a track record of success. Read about our recent grantees .

Additionally, we are committed to long-term support for current grantees that continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible to reapply, share the latest updates, and provide us with feedback. Some questions will not be used to assess your grant application; you’ll see them noted as optional.

We explain these criteria in more detail here. Here’s a brief snapshot of eligibility guidelines: North Star Fund provides grants to organizations in NYC and Hudson Valley whose missions are to advance grassroots organizing—the process of building collective power so that communities impacted by injustice can make systemic change.

Grantees can articulate the root causes of the injustices, pointing to systems and policies affecting their community. These organizations see community members impacted by this injustice as essential stakeholders, from whom they recruit leaders and seek stories, ideas, campaign strategy, and organizational direction.

These organizations have a vision for systemic change that is connected to campaigns to undo or replace specific laws and systems that create inequity. These organizations can identify policymakers, decision-makers, or institutional targets in their campaigns. Community members take collective action to influence these targets to advance their demands.

We Fund Both New and Established Groups These grants are intended for both new and emerging organizations as well as established movement builders with a track record of success. New and emerging organizations are not expected to meet all of the community organizing criteria, but some priorities include: Mass mobilizations efforts and other activities that shift public opinion and change political conditions.

Founders and key leaders come from the impacted community. New members can join and take part in leading the organization’s efforts. Founders and leaders can identify and articulate the root causes of injustice that they seek to address.

We Fund Small Organizations North Star Fund grants support small organizations which typically lack access to support from national foundations. Organizational budgets range from $0 to a maximum of $800,000.

North Star Fund does not support organizations whose mission is to provide “direct services”—broadly defined as meeting individuals or communities’ immediate needs—unless individuals or program participants are moved into an organizing strategy and leadership pipeline to advance systemic change.

NYC Organizing Grants Eligibility In addition to the criteria listed above, North Star Fund will consider applications from organizations that meet all of the following requirements. 1. Annual budget that falls under $800,000.

This may include: Organizations that have an annual budget under $800,000 Organizing projects of larger entities, such as direct services or legal services providers, that have an annual budget under $800,000, or Hybrid community organizing and direct service organizations whose organizing expenses falls under $800,000 2. Building community power in at least one of the five boroughs of New York City.

Grant applications are reviewed by local experts in grassroots community organizing. The all-volunteer Community Funding Committees assess all proposals, meet in person with select applicants and determine grant awards. Here are the steps you will take to apply for a grant from North Star Fund: Review criteria and application materials.

Applicants can create an account on our application system, preview questions, and begin assembling the required information. North Star Fund staff are available to answer questions. Attend a How to Apply Workshop (optional/encouraged for first-time applicants) .

These workshops are an opportunity to learn about available grant opportunities and how to submit an application through our online portal. Submit a complete application by the deadline. All applicants will receive a confirmation email.

Applicants will be notified about site visits about one month after the application deadline. Some, but not all organizations, will be invited to meet with members of the Community Funding Committee. Application decisions will be announced about three months after the application deadline.

Begin your online application by following these steps. Gather information and documents. You’ll be asked to share: Your operating budget, salaries of key staff members, and foundation support for the most recent fiscal year.

Your 501(c)(3) letter or your fiscal sponsor’s 501(c)(3) letter and fiscal sponsorship agreement. Complete the additional application questions on North Star Fund’s JustFund profile here . Frequently Asked Questions How long does the application process take?

North Star Fund’s typical application process takes three months from the application deadline to the moment that you hear from staff about the final decision. North Star Fund's rapid response application process takes about two weeks. What if I don’t have a fiscal sponsor or 501(c)3 status?

You can still apply. We will review all applications regardless of 501(c)(3) status. By the time grant awards are made, however, your organization must have a fiscal sponsor.

If you need help identifying a fiscal sponsor, check out northstarfund. org/apply/grantee-resources for a directory. Get more of your questions answered on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page .

Still have questions? Send us an email at grants@northstarfund. org .