If applying for a Marguerite Casey Foundation grant felt like the only sure way to secure significant funding for grassroots social justice work, you’d be onto something—but the process demands more than just hope. You start with a compelling Letter of Inquiry that must clearly connect your project to the foundation’s mission of empowering marginalized communities. If approved, you’ll then craft a detailed proposal covering goals, structure, and budget—all designed to show your community-led solution’s potential impact and alignment with their priorities. This path is rigorous but essential to facilitating support aimed at shifting power where it matters most.
Key Takeaways
- The Marguerite Casey Foundation only accepts grant applications by invitation; unsolicited proposals are not reviewed or accepted.
- Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship focused on grassroots community organizing and social justice.
- The foundation provides general operating support and capacity building grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 for organizations serving low-income families.
- Approved applicants receive funding in installments tied to project milestones and must submit regular progress reports documenting fund usage and impact.
- Grant priorities include education, advocacy, activism, and initiatives that shift power toward marginalized communities addressing racial, gender, and economic equity.
Overview of the Marguerite Casey Foundation
The Marguerite Casey Foundation, founded in 2001, drives social and economic justice for marginalized communities in the U.S. by supporting grassroots movements that empower low-income families—especially those led by women—to create systemic change.
Your grant application strategies should focus on demonstrating commitment to community-led initiatives and equity, as the foundation emphasizes funding organizations that strengthen families’ voices and build leadership capacity.
The foundation’s impact stems from providing flexible General Operating Support and Capacity Building Grants to bolster grassroots organizing, recognizing families as central to sustainable social justice movements and long-term systemic transformation.
Key Focus Areas and Funding Priorities
If you’re seeking funding that aligns with social justice work, you’ll find that the Marguerite Casey Foundation prioritizes grassroots leadership support, racial and economic justice, and community organizing grants.
The foundation’s grantmaking strategy centers on organizations that build power within marginalized communities and advance systemic change through collective action.
Your organization can access general operating support designed to fuel long-term strategies that help communities mobilize for equity and justice.
Grassroots Leadership Support
Because grassroots organizations drive meaningful change from within communities, the Marguerite Casey Foundation centers its grantmaking on supporting leaders who emerge from the very neighborhoods they serve.
The foundation prioritizes grassroots empowerment by providing leadership development grants that equip these leaders with tools to foster sustainable, community-led solutions.
It funds community organizing projects that mobilize members to tackle systemic challenges while offering general operating and capacity-building grants to strengthen organizational effectiveness.
This approach guarantees that funding directly advances social, economic, racial, gender, and environmental justice as defined by the community itself.
Racial and Economic Justice
While focusing on racial and economic justice, you’ll find the Marguerite Casey Foundation funds initiatives that empower low-income families—especially those led by women—to challenge systemic inequities directly within their communities.
The foundation prioritizes racial equity and economic empowerment by supporting community organizing, leadership development, and innovative solutions that dismantle systemic barriers.
You can access grants for general operating support, capacity building, and organizing efforts that foster grassroots leadership rooted in community needs.
They also fund environmental justice projects impacting communities of color, emphasizing community-led strategies that advance equity and justice at their core.
Community Organizing Grants
When you apply for a Community Organizing Grant from the Marguerite Casey Foundation, you’re joining a network focused on mobilizing communities to tackle systemic issues and advance social justice.
Your project should prioritize community engagement and social empowerment, supporting grassroots organizations led by local leaders. Funding ranges from $25,000 to $250,000, depending on your project’s scope and impact.
You must show a commitment to community-led solutions and have 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.
The foundation values collaboration with marginalized communities, especially those led by women, to build sustainable change and strengthen advocacy capacity.
Eligibility Criteria for Grant Applicants
To be eligible for a Marguerite Casey Foundation grant, your organization must be a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status or have fiscal sponsorship from an eligible nonprofit.
The foundation prioritizes grassroots organizations led by people from the communities they serve, especially those advancing social justice for marginalized groups.
You’ll need to show a commitment to community-led solutions that align with the foundation’s focus on equity, economic justice, and environmental justice.
Grassroots Organization Priority
If your organization is rooted in the community and led by the people it serves, you’re exactly who the Marguerite Casey Foundation wants to support. The foundation prioritizes grassroots groups focusing on community empowerment and social justice, especially those addressing racial, gender, and economic equity. To qualify, you must have 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored. Your work should target systemic change and show clear impact for low-income and marginalized families, embodying a commitment to dismantling barriers and advancing justice.
| Priority Area | Requirement | Impact Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Community-led organizations | Empower low-income families |
| Eligibility | 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsorship | Systemic change & equity |
| Social Justice Focus | Racial, gender, economic equity | Advance justice & dismantle barriers |
Nonprofit Status Requirement
Before you can access Marguerite Casey Foundation grants, your organization must meet fundamental eligibility requirements that form the foundation’s commitment to supporting community-led change.
One key requirement is nonprofit compliance, meaning your organization must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or be fiscally sponsored by an eligible nonprofit. This status secures you benefit from tax exempt benefits essential for managing grant funds legally and transparently.
Fiscal sponsorship must include a formal agreement, where the sponsor retains control of funds to meet IRS standards. Meeting these requirements assures your eligibility and aligns you with the foundation’s mission for social justice.
Community-Led Solutions Focus
Marguerite Casey Foundation places significant emphasis on community leadership as a core eligibility criterion, recognizing that lasting social change emerges when organizations are rooted in and accountable to the communities they serve.
You must demonstrate authentic community empowerment by being led by people from the communities you aim to help. The foundation values collective action that advances racial, gender, economic, and environmental justice.
Your strategy should clearly address systemic barriers and promote equity, showing commitment to community-led solutions that align with the foundation’s mission of shifting power toward marginalized families and groups.
Types of Grant Opportunities Offered
While your organization works to advance social justice and equity, the Marguerite Casey Foundation offers several targeted grant opportunities to help you succeed.
You can apply for General Operating Support grants, which provide unrestricted funding for grassroots groups.
Capacity Building Grants boost your sustainability through training and technical help.
Leadership Development Grants empower your leaders to drive change.
Community Organizing Grants fund projects that mobilize communities against systemic barriers.
The Innovation Fund backs creative solutions for marginalized groups.
Use these grant application tips to maximize your funding impact and strengthen your work.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
To begin the application process, you must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) that briefly describes your organization and the project you seek funding for.
If approved, you’ll develop a comprehensive full proposal detailing your organization’s structure, project scope, and budget requirements.
Gather supporting documents including community letters of support and financial statements to strengthen your grant writing efforts.
Understand that the application timeline typically spans several months as staff and board members thoroughly evaluate your submission.
Once approved, you’ll receive a grant agreement outlining funding terms and payment schedules tied to project milestones.
Strategies for Preparing a Competitive Proposal
Now that you’ve navigated the application steps, it’s time to focus on making your proposal stand out. Align it clearly with the Marguerite Casey Foundation’s mission by showing how your project promotes community empowerment and tackles social justice issues head-on.
Provide a detailed budget reflecting realistic costs and how funds will directly benefit the community while advancing equity. Include letters of endorsement from local leaders to prove community support.
Keep your proposal concise and outcome-focused. Finally, highlight your organization’s past successes and relevant experience to demonstrate your capacity to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Reporting and Accountability Expectations for Grantees
- Submit detailed financial statements and budgets ensuring all funds are appropriately allocated and spent.
- Prepare progress reports documenting successes, challenges, and lessons learned to inform both the foundation and your future work.
- Be ready for site visits or evaluations verifying compliance and evaluating the initiative’s effectiveness.
Timely and transparent reporting secures ongoing eligibility and fosters trust.
Recent Grantmaking Initiatives and Impact Highlights
While advancing economic justice through its Public Dollars for Public Good initiative, the Marguerite Casey Foundation also committed $130 million to support communities facing political attacks, reflecting a robust increase in grantmaking to grassroots organizations in 2023 and beyond.
You’ll see grant impact in funding that prioritizes racial and gender equity, empowering local leaders to dismantle systemic barriers.
Community empowerment is central, as grants—ranging from $25,000 to $250,000—fuel initiatives that drive meaningful change.
The foundation’s recent efforts spotlight its dedication to supporting community-led solutions that foster lasting, transformative impact.
Contact Information and Support Resources
To assist you with the grant application process, the Marguerite Casey Foundation offers multiple contact options through their official website, where you can find a submission form for questions and feedback to confirm your inquiries are acknowledged promptly.
Your contact methods include:
- Email communication available through their online inquiry submission form
- Phone support at (206) 691-3134 for direct assistance with application questions
- Website resources providing eligibility requirements and grant guidelines
You’ll also discover detailed FAQs clarifying eligible organization types and typical grant amounts.
For ongoing updates on funding opportunities and initiatives, subscribe to their e-newsletter. These support resources confirm you’re equipped with comprehensive information before submitting your inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Apply for a Grant From Casey?
You can’t apply directly for a Casey grant—there’s no open application process. The foundation only accepts proposals by invitation, so focus on meeting their grant eligibility criteria and building relationships with cornerstone organizations for application process tips.
How to Apply for a Foundation Grant?
Think of grant writing as planting seeds that grow into funding trees; mastering strong funding strategies means tailoring your project’s story clearly, aligning goals with funders, and submitting detailed, well-organized proposals that showcase impact potential.
What’s the Best Way to Find Legit Grants?
The best way to find legit grants is to conduct thorough grant research using trusted databases like Candid, subscribe to foundation newsletters, attend grant workshops, and network with nonprofits to uncover current funding opportunities effectively.
Can Foundations Give Grants to Individuals?
Most foundations don’t give grants to individuals; they fund organizations instead. You’ll find individual grant opportunities are rare. You’ll need to check specific grant eligibility criteria carefully before applying to any funder.
Conclusion
You’re poised to pursue powerful possibilities through the Marguerite Casey Foundation’s grants. By building bold proposals that align with their community-centered commitment, you’ll craft compelling cases for your cause. Whether you’re working toward economic equity, environmental justice, or community organizing, you’ll want to weave your grassroots mission throughout your application. With genuine dedication to their values and meticulous attention to detail, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of securing significant support for your social justice work.