The Community Organizing Grants Program offered by the Peace Development Fund (PDF) provides small general operating grants to grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing social, economic, and environmental justice. These grants are designed to empower local communities in the United States, Mexico, and Haiti by supporting organizations that are actively engaged in community organizing efforts. The program is divided into three funds: the Seeding the Movement Fund, the Western Mass Transformation Fund, and the Braiding New Worlds Fund, allowing organizations to apply to the fund that best aligns with their mission and strategy.

The Community Organizing Grants Program reflects PDF’s commitment to building power in communities impacted by systemic injustice, supporting initiatives that tackle inequality while fostering local leadership and sustainable organizational practices. Since grassroots organizing is central to driving long-term social change, PDF seeks to fund organizations that exemplify its four pillars of community organizing.

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Eligibility Criteria for Community Organizing Grants

Organizations seeking funding must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for PDF’s Community Organizing Grants:

• Annual Budget: Must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 USD or less, based on the last completed fiscal year.

• Location: Organizations must be based in the United States, Mexico, or Haiti.

• Legal Status: Must hold a valid 501(c)(3) designation or have a US-based fiscal sponsor. Organizations in Mexico or Haiti are required to have a US-based fiscal sponsor.

• Community Organizing Focus: Must have a clear and concrete connection to community organizing. Community organizing is broadly defined as building relationships, developing leaders, creating a shared analysis of problems, and running campaigns that use collective action.

• Previous Funding Pause: Organizations that have received three consecutive years of funding must take a two-year pause before reapplying.

PDF emphasizes that applicants must be organizations rather than individuals and that funding supports initiatives directly linked to community organizing rather than social services or academic programs.

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Program Details

PDF’s Community Organizing Grants provide general operating funding to support grassroots organizations’ core activities. The program is structured around three distinct funds, each with its own focus:

1. Seeding the Movement Fund: Focuses on emerging grassroots organizations and initiatives.

2. Western Mass Transformation Fund: Supports groups in the Western Massachusetts region engaging in long-term organizing strategies.

3. Braiding New Worlds Fund: Funds organizations fostering transformative social, economic, or environmental change in local communities.

Organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect innovative approaches to community organizing, aligned with PDF’s four pillars:

• Shift Power: Facilitate coordinated action to influence institutions responsible for systemic inequities, such as governments, corporations, schools, or hospitals.

• Build a Movement: Expand membership and leadership capacity without compromising the organization’s vision, ensuring long-term sustainability.

• Dismantle Oppression: Challenge structures of inequity and implement internal policies to address issues like racism, classism, sexism, ableism, and other harmful power dynamics.

• Create New Structures: Develop liberating, equitable, and sustainable systems that break from traditional oppressive structures.

PDF does not fund programs outside the United States, Mexico, and Haiti, social services without organizing strategies, conferences, individual-focused initiatives, academic scholarships, or organizations with budgets over $250,000. Media production and research are only fundable if directly linked to grassroots organizing efforts.

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Application Process

Applications for the Community Organizing Grants are submitted through PDF’s online grant portal. Organizations must complete an eligibility quiz before accessing the application. The steps to apply are as follows:

1. Create an account on the PDF grant portal (or log in if you already have one).

2. Click on the “Community Organizing Grants 2026” application.

3. Complete the application and select the fund you are applying to.

4. Submit required documentation and information, ensuring compliance with PDF’s guidelines.

PDF’s evaluation process incorporates input from community reviewers, including current and former grantees, ensuring that selected organizations reflect the values and priorities of grassroots community organizing. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating alignment with PDF’s four pillars and showing potential for long-term impact within their communities.

For guidance, PDF provides access to recordings of informational sessions and slides from previous presentations. Applicants are encouraged to review these resources to ensure their proposals meet all program expectations.

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Important Dates and Deadlines

• Applications Open: November 1, 2025

• Applications Close: January 31, 2026

• All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

Organizations should plan ahead, ensuring eligibility requirements are met and proposals are submitted well in advance of the deadline.

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The Community Organizing Grants Program by PDF provides a unique opportunity for small grassroots organizations in the US, Mexico, and Haiti to access funding and strengthen their community organizing efforts. By supporting initiatives that shift power, build movements, dismantle oppression, and create new structures, PDF empowers organizations to drive long-term social, economic, and environmental justice.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply early to benefit from this funding opportunity and contribute to meaningful change in their communities.

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Click here to apply

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