Grassroots Organizing for Social Change Program

 OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
People most affected by a problem are in the best position to determine the solutions. Therefore, leadership development is an essential component of social change work.

True change occurs only when underlying, systemic forces are understood and addressed.

Grassroots, constituent-led organizing is among the most effective means to create social change. We define organizing as collective action from the bottom up that challenges the status quo, demands changes in policy and practice, educates communities about root causes, and advocates and agitates for systemic and just solutions.

Lasting change occurs when Social Justice Movements are built from the ground up and grassroots groups come together across sectors and constituencies to work for the common principles of Human Rights and Justice for All.

The Grassroots Organizing for Social Change program supports organizations that share and embody this theory of change.

PROCESS

STEP 1.
CAREFULLY READ GUIDELINES
Familiarize yourself with what we fund, our priorities & restrictions, to ensure a
good fit

STEP 2.
COMPLETE
PRE-APPLICATION
Review grant cycles.

Register or Log in to complete pre-application

STEP 3.
COMPLETE FULL PROPOSAL
If invited, submit full proposal by relevant deadline

GUIDELINES & PRIORITIES
The Grassroots Organizing for Social Change Program offers general or project support to non-profit organizations throughout the United States and is our most competitive grant program.

We make one-year grants for up to $25,000, to organizations with budgets under $500,000. Only organizations with 501(c)3 status, or who have a fiscal agent with this status are eligible to apply.

While our broad goals are to further social and environmental justice and support sustainable and just food systems, we focus on the types of activities and strategies an organization uses for creating social change rather than on the specific issues the organization is addressing.

We also recommend that you peruse our grantees lists as they will give a clearer idea of the types of organizations and programs the Ben & Jerry's Foundation supports.

We will only consider proposals from grassroots, constituent-led organizations that are using community-organizing and base-building strategies to accomplish their goals.

Priority Strategies must include:
Community & ally outreach
Leadership development
Constituent empowerment &
decision-making
Popular education
Root cause analysis
Power analysis
Campaign development
Mobilizing constituents & allies
Coalition building
Direct action

Areas not funded:
Direct services to individuals, families or communities
Internationally focused programs
Organizations with annual budgets over $500,000
Discretionary or emergency requests
Schools or programs for schools
Colleges or universities
Individuals or scholarship programs
Research, litigation or legal expenses
Capital or endowment campaigns
State agencies or government programs
Businesses or business associations
Religious activities
Arts or Media programs
Other foundations or regranting organizations
Advocacy programs
Applications are to be submitted through our on-line grant management system. To learn more about our online system, please click here for a tutorial.