Supporting Grassroots Social Change: Social Justice Fund NW
Social Justice Fund NW is an organization that provides essential resources to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Their mission is to strengthen the broad-based movement for progressive, systemic social change. What sets Social Justice Fund NW apart is their funding philosophy and practice.
Grantmaking Philosophy and Practice
Unlike other foundations, SJ Fund NW’s funding decisions are made through a democratic process by engaged and educated volunteer grant makers in their Giving Projects. They prioritize funding for community-based groups that use a community organizing approach to create lasting change from the bottom up.
Most of their grants are for general operating funds, which provide grantees with flexibility and self-determination. They also give special consideration to groups committed to racial justice, especially those based in communities of color. SJF NW aims to distribute funds broadly throughout the region, including rural areas.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a grant from SJF NW, organizations or projects must:
- Be an organized group of people
- Use a community organizing approach
- Be led by people who are most directly affected by the problems they address
- Carry out most of their work in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming
- Satisfy evaluation requirements for any previous grants
While SJF NW does not fund individuals, endowment funds, or capital campaigns, they do consider project-specific funds for direct service organizations that fit their definition of community organizing. They also support environmental work that aims to achieve social justice goals, such as addressing environmental threats that disproportionately harm communities of color or low-income communities.
By providing not just financial support but also building relationships and connections within the social justice movement, SJF NW plays a crucial role in strengthening grassroots efforts in the Northwest.
For detailed information please visit: Grants – Social Justice Fund NW