As the outbreak of COVID-19 presents growing and unprecedented challenges for organizers nationwide, Peace Developement Fund’s De Colores Rapid Response Fund, designed for strategic intervention in movement moments like this, offers grants of $500 to $1,000 to grassroots organizations working to make positive community interventions through strategic, organizing-focused approaches, especially in marginalized communities of color and working class communities.
The fund is not designed to support budget shortfalls or direct services; they are small, strategic moment grants aimed at building community resilience.
De Colores RRF is looking to impact positive, dynamic-shifting opportunities, rather than provide emergency response for humanitarian crises or technical assistance. It is designed to make funds available for quick, short-term delivery to hot spots of opportunity for organizing in marginalized urban and rural communities.
Criteria for grants from the fund include:
1. Organizing in U.S. grassroots communities, with a focus on communities of color, poor and working class;
2. Opportunities for strategic intervention (i.e. Ferguson and Baltimore moments);
3. Opportunities to impact new and strategic shifts (i.e. Occupy); and
4. Opportunities to amplify the effects of in-the-moment issues (i.e. Hurricane Maria or #MeToo). The event or situation you are responding to was unanticipated and requires urgent action that is well thought out with clear goals and desired outcomes.
How it Works:
a) Proposals are accepted all year, and reviewed regularly.
b) The Fund does not support groups based outside the U.S.; budget shortfalls; ongoing, regularly scheduled programs; start-up or general operating costs.
c) Groups will be notified within one to three weeks and checks will be mailed the following week.
d) Grants are in the $500 to $1,000 range.
Utilize This Offer
De Colores Fund will respond to the cultural, social and economic challenges posed by COVID – 19.
Applications are accepted from coalitions, organizations and non-501(c)(3) groups, but not to fund individual efforts.
PDF will prioritize organizations with budgets under $250,000 with limited access to philanthropic resources.
Project budget should be less than $5,000.
For more information, please visit https://conta.cc/2Uy0csM
Friendly reminders:
1. Study similar calls (open and closed ones) that interest you to discover what they have in common and how you can think ahead/plan to apply = increase your chances of success!
2. Prepare/update paperwork (certificates and attests usually required from an organization like yours);
3. Write (baby steps...!) and discuss a project draft - to validate the priorities within your group and to train your grant writing skills;
4. Do not wait to find a call and then start writing your proposal/project. Start now!!!
5. Visit the World Pulse website >>> My Pulse >>> Resources and then use its filters (right upper corner) to find what may really suit you;
6; Share the opportunities that may not apply to you but can interest others;
7. Spread the word about your failures and achievements in grant requests. Yes, tell these stories too... - they will enlighten and inspire your network.
Thanks, Ana.