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For Grantseekers

Open Application Pilot

We are excited to announce that Acton Family Giving will be accepting applications for grant funding for select giving areas of our Empathy Building Initiative as a time-bound pilot process. We are eager to partner with nonprofits across the U.S. to support the important work of connecting people from different backgrounds, ideologies, beliefs, and communities. We also hope to test our systems and learn through this pilot to inform future processes and approaches.

We intend to award up to $500,000 in grant funding. Grant amounts will vary depending on the scope and nature of the work, and will range from $15,000 to $75,000. All grants will be unrestricted funding and should be considered exploratory, one-time grants. Due to limited funds not every grant seeker will receive an award.

Current Acton Family Giving grantees should not participate in this pilot, and instead contact their program officer.

Timeline of application process

July 24, 2019
Application will be live on our website. Staff are available to assist organizations throughout the process.
As applications are submitted
Staff will reach out with any questions if needed. Declinations will be sent as applications are reviewed.
October 14, 2019
12pm (PST) - Application will be closed and taken down from our website. No further applications will be accepted.
November 21, 2019
Organizations will be notified if they have been recommended for a grant. Any final declinations will also happen at this time.
Thru December 2019
Our donor advised fund provider will perform due diligence and award or deny our recommendations. Notifications and funds are generally sent within three weeks.
After organizations receive a grant
We try to be as minimally invasive as possible so our grantees can do their best work. We do not require any reporting, presentations, site visits, or donor cultivation.
February 28
We will post an update on the evaluation of this pilot, with any decisions on future grantmaking plans and strategies.

Is Your Organization a Fit?

We currently have two giving areas that are accepting applications. Please review each areas' approach and priorities to best determine your organizations alignment, as well as general eligibility criteria listed below.

First-Person Storytelling

Sharing and hearing first-person stories to reinforce our shared humanity

Areas of Exploration

Continued targeted learning through grantmaking

Eligibility

In order to apply, organizations:

  • must have 501(c)3 tax-exempt designation or a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)3 public charity based in the United States
  • should strongly align with one or more priorities of a giving area that is accepting applications
  • should have a national or broad regional reach

We do not fund:

  • individuals or private foundations
  • nonprofits or NGO’s based outside of the United States
  • endowments, fundraising events, galas, or conferences
  • political campaigns, lobbying, or activities to influence specific legislation
  • organizations that discriminate against groups or individuals
  • organizations that promote religious doctrine in the delivery of programs and services
  • school/education based programs (i.e. literacy-first focused programs, anti-bullying programs)
  • wellness or wellbeing programs including meditation

Ready to Apply?

Have you determined your alignment with our giving areas and confirmed eligibility? GREAT! Below are the final steps:

Download and review the application information and procedures

Log in to our application portal to get started!

For Grantseekers