Ben and Jerry’s Foundation is seeking applications for the Grassroots Organizing for Social Change Program to offer general support to non-profit organizations throughout the United States. It supports organizations that share and embody this 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.

Grassroots, constituent-led organizing is among the most effective means to create social change. They 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.

While the Foundation's broad goals are to further social and environmental justice and support sustainable and just food systems, they 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. 

Priority Areas

• 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

Funding Information

They make one-year grants for up to $25,000, to organizations with budgets under $500,000.

Criteria

• Only organizations with 501(c)3 status, or who have a fiscal agent with this status are eligible to apply.
• The Foundation will only consider proposals from grassroots, constituent-led organizations that are using direct-action, community organizing, and base-building strategies to accomplish their goals.

For more information, visit Ben and Jerry’s Foundation.