Rapid Response Grants

Are only available to organizations and projects that are based in the United States.

The maximum grant award is $5,000. Most grant awards will be around $3,000. Grants are available for groups with 501c3 status or a 501c3 fiscal sponsor. Grants might also be available for groups without any formal legal structure but, for those groups, receipt for allowed expenses must be submitted for reimbursement.

These grants are for the immediate and/or emergency needs of groups involved in grassroots nonviolent activism. They are to help respond to unexpected needs and timely political opportunities with organizing events and direct actions.

The Process Is Currently Closed.

Due to overwhelming demand, our Rapid Response grant applications process will only be open for the first full week of each month (from Monday at 10am until Friday at 4pm eastern time).

We Strongly Prefer

  • Groups that don’t have much foundation funding or other traditional streams of income.
  • Organizations and projects dedicated to fighting for systemic change, rather than personal/individual support.
  • Groups with 501c3 status or a 501c3 fiscal sponsor. We will occasionally consider groups with neither of these if their work or need is particularly compelling.

What We Do Not Fund

  • Individuals or projects that are not based in an organizing group.
  • Legal or direct services, healing or therapy work, or mutual aid that’s not a small component of the grant request.
  • Projects or organizations with operating budgets exceeding $250,000.
  • Lobbying or political campaigns.
  • Art, films, or dance projects that aren’t a small component of larger organizing efforts.
  • Tuition or scholarships.
  • University supported projects.
If approved

complete the following steps within 2 weeks

If you fail to meet this deadline, the grant offer will be rescinded

01

On approval

if you are a 501c3 or are using a fiscal sponsor you must submit the following information for your organization or your fiscal sponsor.

  • Bank Name
  • Bank Routing Number
  • Account Number
  • The exact name on the account.
  • If you are a 501c3, you must submit your IRS approval letter.
  • If you are using a fiscal sponsor, you must submit your fiscal sponsorship agreement and their 501c3 IRS determination letter.
02

sign a grant agreement

Once that information above is submitted, sign a grant agreement via an online e-sign service. If you are using a fiscal sponsor, they must also need to sign the agreement.