The Critical Response Fund by Crossroads Fund provides rapid-response funding to grassroots organizations mobilizing against urgent social, racial, and economic injustices. The fund is designed to support time-sensitive organizing, mobilization, direct actions, and movement-building efforts in response to systemic inequities, unexpected policy changes, and immediate threats to marginalized communities.

Priority is given to organizations that have been Crossroads Fund grantees in the past three years and those demonstrating a strong track record of collaborative, intersectional organizing. Eligible funding requests may include mutual aid efforts, responses to policy changes that endanger communities, strategic convenings and trainings, and rapid coalition-building in reaction to urgent issues. The fund does not support ongoing programming, regularly scheduled events, or budget shortfalls.

Eligible applicants may request $5,000 to $10,000, with priority given to organizations with annual budgets under $500,000. Grants must be used within six months of award. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with funding decisions typically made within 4-6 weeks of submission.

To apply, organizations must create an account in the Crossroads Fund Online Grant Portal and use the access code “ORGANIZE” to access the application. Applications are reviewed by staff for alignment with funding priorities before being forwarded to the Board of Directors for final approval. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by phone or email.