The Social Justice Fund (SJF) is launching its 2025 Seed Grant cycles, offering $5,000 grants to new and emerging organizations that focus on community organizing. These grants aim to support groups that are in the early stages of building their work but do not yet meet all of SJF's criteria for regular funding. Organizations that are less than three years old, have never received SJF funding before, and are involved in or planning community organizing efforts are eligible to apply.

Seed Grants are particularly focused on organizations that are underrepresented in traditional grantmaking, including those led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as groups in rural or reservation-based communities. The grants are available in five states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Funding will be awarded quarterly throughout 2025, with the first round of decisions occurring in March.

To qualify, organizations must meet several criteria, including being an organized group (not individuals), conducting work in one of the eligible states, and demonstrating a commitment to community organizing practices. The priority will be given to organizations with leadership from BIPOC communities and those working in rural or reservation communities. Seed Grants are available to 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, as well as American Indian/Native American tribal governments or agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups.

The application deadlines for 2025 are:

Quarter 1: February 20, 2025 (decisions in March 2025)
Quarter 2: May 29, 2025 (decisions in July 2025)
Quarter 3: September 4, 2025 (decisions in October 2025)
For more details, interested organizations can sign up for an informational session on January 29, 2025, or visit the Social Justice Fund's website to apply. If unsure whether their organization qualifies, applicants are encouraged to reach out to SJF’s Grantmaking & Impact team for clarification.