Before You Apply

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice provides grants in support of grassroots, membership-based community organizations that are democratically led, engaged in direct action campaigns, and committed to leadership development.

Please see below.

Needmor Application:
Do You Qualify?

Community organizing is “a process through which historically disenfranchised people can build power, address the systemic barriers to the practice of democracy, hold public and corporate officials accountable for their actions, and participate in shaping public policy.”

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice seeks to:

  • Remove systemic barriers to the practice of democracy by encouraging the efforts of people who are working together for justice and the common good;

  • Encourage involvement in community affairs by people whose participation has been systemically denied; and

  • Foster the active participation of all citizens in crafting vision, values, and policies that are more equitable, to guide the operation of our country.

Needmor has identified community organizing as the most effective means for achieving these goals.

Grant Guidelines:

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice seeks to support community organizing groups with the following characteristics:

  • Organizes low and moderate-income people: Recruits and engages members from historically disenfranchised communities.

  • Engages those whose participation in our democratic society has been systemically denied: This includes but is not limited to, those who have traditionally been excluded — i.e., low- and moderate-income communities, Black, Indigenous, and People(s) of Color (BIPOC), the disabled, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ community.

  • Membership-based and democratically run: Dues paying members determine the agenda of the organization.

  • Leadership development: Develops and trains a cadre of strong grassroots leaders.

  • Multi-issue: Addresses issues of race, immigration, poverty, economic justice, and low-wage work.

  • Engages in direct action: Has a power analysis and clear plan for winning concrete victories that alter the relations of power in its community.

  • Balances issue work with base building: Effectively links issues to building organization and power.

  • Builds power: Has a larger vision to aggregate power, taking on bigger policy issues and expanding its base of allies to increase its impact over time.

  • Well managed: Has a financial and fundraising plan, engages in strategic planning, and has strong leadership and lively governance.

Needmor does not fund:

  • Community development corporations

  • Scholarships/fellowships

  • Private businesses

  • Training programs or direct services (e.g., counseling programs, medical services, etc.)

  • Cultural enrichment programs

  • Films, TV, or radio productions.

  • Books, publications, or research

  • Conferences

  • Capital improvements

  • Litigation

  • Projects outside the United States

  • Government sponsored or controlled projects

  • National organizations