Gift Size:
Organizations may request up to $100,000 in funding, payable over two years. Organizations that have unspent funds should contact us before submitting a new request.
Gifting Process:
The KC People’s Fund’s Gifting Team, made up of community members, reviews funding requests through a two-step process. First, organizations submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) via our new online portal, that will launch in August 2026. Eligible applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal. The Gifting Team reviews proposals and may request a brief follow-up conversation. Office hours and support are available throughout the process. All applications must be submitted through the online system, with preview materials provided in advance.
Who Can Apply:
- Organizations using grassroots organizing or grassroots advocacy as a primary strategy. Direct service organizations are eligible to apply only if they are also engaged in grassroots organizing or grassroots advocacy that includes the four core elements.
- The organization is led by the people most directly impacted by the issues the organization works on, and those members have clear decision-making power.
- The organization focuses on building a strong base of leaders with shared interests, and nurturing the leadership capacity of its members.
- The organization is focused on the root causes of the problem. While we recognize the need to support individual needs, we believe it’s essential to identify the policies, practices, and institutions that hold back historically under-resourced communities to create lasting change.
- The organization has a defined plan to achieve systemic change. Community organizing plans can involve marches, rallies, lobbying, civil disobedience, town hall meetings, and various other activities aimed at influencing decisions and bringing about the necessary changes.
- Organizations must be in Jackson County, Missouri or Wyandotte County, Kansas and specifically focused on historically under-resourced communities including Black, Latino, Indigenous or Asian American Pacific Islander communities.
- Must have a 501(c)(3) charitable status or have an existing relationship with a fiscal sponsor that has 501(c)(3) status.
- Priority will be given to organizations with budgets under $1,000,000. Local chapters of national organizations and organizing programs of larger organizations may apply but may not be prioritized for funding.
What We Do Not Fund:
- Organizations involved in electoral campaigns
- Gifts to individuals, i.e. scholarships
- Private or public schools, colleges or universities
- Organizations that do not comply with federal, state, or local equal opportunity or labor laws.
- Governmental entities