The Fund for Change
/OVERVIEW: The Fund for Change supports progressive policy reform and community engagement in Baltimore, Maryland, and surrounding areas.
IP TAKE: This modest, but accessible progressive funder is very approachable, but its scope is quite limited. Most grants stay around Baltimore, but this funder also makes grants nationally on occasion. Letters can be emailed to Jen Eames at jeames@associated.org. LOIs can be submitted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis. This funder reads all LOIs, so expect a delay in response.
PROFILE: The Fund for Change, established in 1999, is a supporting organization of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. Operating primarily in Baltimore, Maryland, but sometimes supporting national organizations, the foundation’s stated mission is to “build a society that is democratic, egalitarian and participatory.”
Grants for Civic Engagement and Democracy
The Fund for Change’s grantmaking offers general operating support, start-up capital, and project support for groups that “organize underserved individuals and communities and influence policy makers by advocating for social change.” It does not generally fund direct-service projects, individuals, scholarships, or capital campaigns.
Important Grant Details:
Grants generally range from $10,000 to $25,000. Past grantees include ACLU of Maryland, Baltimore Community Foundation, Common Cause Maryland, Jews United for Justice, Maryland Center on Economic Policy, and Public Justice Center. Note that while this funder strongly prioritizes Baltimore and surrounding areas, it may occasionally support national groups.
The Fund for Change accepts and reviews applications twice a year, with deadlines generally falling in March and September. New grantseekers must submit a one- to two-page Letter of Intent (LOI), followed by an in-person meeting, before being invited to submit a full proposal.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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