Social Justice Fund (SJF) is thrilled to launch our 2025 Seed Grant cycles!
Seed Grants will provide small unrestricted funds to new groups who are in the early stages of building their community work but do not yet meet all of SJF’s community organizing criteria, and may not yet qualify for our regular grants. If your organization is less than three years old, has never been funded by SJF, and is currently doing or planning on community organizing work, then you are eligible for a $5,000 Seed Grant.
Seed Grants will resource organizations that are most underrpresented in traditional grantmaking, such as rural and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). Funds will be awarded quarterly throughout the year until no more funds are available.
There will be three rounds of Seed Grants made in 2025 with the grantmaking committee meeting each quarter to review all applications. Please review timeline and eligibility below.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the Seed Grant Informational Session on Wednesday, January 29, 3:00 p.m.
Apply here for 2025 Seed Grants
Key Details
- 1-year grant of $5,000
- Three cycles of Seed Grants made in 2025
- Grants awarded quarterly (Q1-Q3) throughout the year
- Funding decisions made at the end of each quarter
- First review of applications will begin March 2025
Eligibility
Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Are an organized group of people (we do not fund individuals)
- Are new or emerging (three years or younger)
- Conduct the primary activities of their work in ID,MT, OR, WA, or WY
- Have organizational beliefs and goals that are aligned with SJF’s values
- Can demonstrate they are using a community organizing approach or actively building towards community organizing, as defined by our community organizing criteria.
- Have demonstrated involvement by, and accountability to, the communities most impacted by the issues they work on.
- Have a plan for how they want to grow their work over the next year
- Have never received a regular SJF grant or Seed Grant in the past
- This grant can fund:
- Organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)(4) status as determined by the IRS
- American Indian/NativeAmerican/First Nation Tribal Government or Agency
- Organizations that are fiscally sponsored by 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)(4) organizations or tribal governments
Priority
We prioritize organizations in both the prescreening and final decision process that:
- Have leadership (at least 51%) from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and/or
- Conduct most of their work/organizing in reservation communities and/or rural, small-town communities (as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau)
Timeline
QUARTER 1
- Application deadline: February 20, 2025
- Decision-making month: March 2025
QUARTER 2
- Application deadline: May 29, 2025
- Decision-making month: July 2025
QUARTER 3
- Application deadline: September 4, 2025
- Decision-making month: October 2025
If you are unsure whether your organization qualifies or have any questions about this grant, please email our Grantmaking & Impact team as soon as possible.
Please share this opportunity widely with your networks!
Featured image: Former Seed grantees Riverton Peace Mission (2022), Project BeFree (2021), FireGen (2023), Whatcom CARE (2021)
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Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
