Grantmaking
Each year PDF receives hundreds of proposals from grassroots, community organizations seeking funding. Through a careful review and interview process, PDF selects those organizations that will have a significant impact in their geographic and social justice focus area, or are working on issues that are not yet recognized by progressive funders.
Community Organizing Grants (COG)
The Peace Development Fund offers a variety of Grantmaking programs. The largest program, the Community Organizing Grants (COG), includes three funds: Seeding the Movement Fund, Western Mass Transformation Fund, and The Braiding New Worlds Fund. Any organization that fits PDF’s guidelines is eligible to apply for a grant. PDF currently only funds organizations in the United States, Haiti and Mexico. Please note that you can apply to any of the COG funds through the same application!
Seeding the Movement
Photo by Mustafa Hussian
The STM Fund is PDF's largest grantmaking fund. Grant sizes have increased in the most recent cycle, and on average grantees were awarded $8,000. An average of 20 organizations are selected for funding per cycle. More information can be found here.
Braiding New Worlds
In celebration of PDF’s 40th anniversary, PDF established the youth-focused Braiding New Worlds Fund. Grants averaging $5,000 are awarded to youth-led and youth-oriented organizations around the country. The Braiding New World Fund committee members were young people aged 18 to 25 years old. An average of 8 organizations are selected for funding per cycle. More information can be found here.
Western MA Transformation
The Western Mass Transformation Fund supports grassroots efforts of communities working towards social justice in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties of Western Mass, with deliberate attention given to organizations led by people of color. Organizations must have a focus on community organizing and building power for systemic change. Average grants size is $3,000. More information can be found here.
Please ensure your organization and project align with our grantmaking pillars:
- Organizing to Shift Power
- Working to Build a Movement
- Dismantling Oppression
- Creating New Structures
Please review the grant guidelines for more information on each pillar.
PDF selects those organizations that exemplify our four pillars of community organizing.
To view a recording of the grants information session, click here. To view the slides from this presentation, click here.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page or email Jessa McCormack, Program Manager.
Additional Funds
De Colores Rapid Response Fund
De Colores RRF is looking to impact positive, dynamic-shifting opportunities, rather than provide emergency response for humanitarian crises or technical assistance. It is designed to make funds available for quick, short-term delivery to hot spots of opportunity for organizing in marginalized urban and rural communities.