The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation is seeking applications for its National Grassroots Organizing Program to offer one-year general operating support grants to small, non-profit grassroots organizations throughout the United States and its territories that are not located in the state of Vermont.
They prioritize organizations that are led by and center the leadership and agency of Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color that approach their work using anti-oppression values – consciously striving to dismantle systems of oppression and the legacies of white supremacy culture in this country while working toward a more just and equitable society.
The goals are to further racial equity, social justice, and environmental justice, the primary purpose is to support the grassroots organizing strategies and activities of the grant partners, rather than any specific issues the organizations are addressing.
Grassroots Organizing Strategies
They recognize the following practices to be important components of effective grassroots organizing efforts:
Community & ally outreach
Leadership development
Constituent empowerment & decision-making
Popular education
Root cause analysis
Power analysis
Campaign Development
Mobilizing Constituents & allies
Coalition building
Non-violent direct action (NVDA)
Funding Information
Grants of up to $30,000, with an average grant size of $20,000.
An annual operating budget under $350,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for funding, each applicant organization must have:
Grassroots organizing as the primary strategy
Non-profit 501(c)3 status, or a fiscal agent with this status
Be U.S.-based and U.S.-focused
Areas Not Funded
Unfortunately, they cannot consider requests for:
Programs that solely provide direct services to individuals, families, or communities
Internationally oriented programs
Organizations with an annual budget over $350,000
Discretionary or emergency support
Donations or sponsorships
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
Organizations based in Vermont should apply under the Vermont grant programs
