Chicago has a deep history of community organizing, continually evolving to address conditions today — and tomorrow.

Longstanding, deeply committed community organizations are amplifying their tenacious racial justice work while newer organizations are developing another generation of leaders ready to transform Chicago. They are all bringing expanded understandings of leadership, a different sense of priorities, new perspectives and new imaginations.

The Chicago Racial Justice Pooled Fund provides unrestricted grants to nonprofits that are Black-led and use grassroots community organizing as a primary strategy, as well as ally-led community organizing groups addressing anti-Blackness.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, with grants awarded on a rolling basis. The Fund is continually raising money and will continue to release grants as funding is available. Grants are general operating support and range between $25,000 – $50,000 per year.

Who Can Apply?

Organizations that meet the following criteria are eligible:

• Utilizes community organizing as a primary strategy

• Black-led organizations addressing racial injustice; if ally-led, the organization addresses anti-Blackness

• Located in Cook County, Illinois

• Annual organizational budget does not exceed $750,000

• Designated 501c3 by the IRS or have a fiscal sponsor; the Fund will also consider organizations without 501c3 designation that have an organizational bank account

How To Apply

When the opportunity to apply re-opens, all applications should be submitted through Crossroads Fund’s Online Grant Portal.

The application itself is intentionally streamlined. If needed, applicants may attach additional materials to describe or document their work.

If you have any questions regarding the online system, or on the application process in general, please leave your email address in the box below.

Please note that the online portal is NOT currently open. We will update this page and notify you when it opens!