The Mobilize Power Fund, administered by the Third Wave Fund, is a rapid response grant designed to support gender justice organizations in the United States and U.S. territories. This fund addresses the need for immediate, flexible funding when groups face unanticipated, time-sensitive opportunities or threats that require them to pivot or adapt their movement-building work. Established initially in 2016 to support resistance against North Carolina’s anti-transgender HB2 legislation, the fund continues to back urgent grassroots responses through a social justice and gender justice lens.

The Mobilize Power Fund prioritizes support for organizations led by and for young women of color (transgender and cisgender), as well as trans, queer, gender nonconforming, and intersex youth of color under age 35. Applicants must have organizational budgets under $500,000 and must be based in the U.S. or its territories. The fund places a strong emphasis on intersectional approaches to gender justice and on communities that are directly impacted by the issues being addressed. Entities do not need to hold 501(c)(3) status or have a fiscal sponsor to be eligible for funding.

Grants are available up to $10,000 for single organizations, and up to $20,000 for partnerships or coalitions of two or more groups. Funds may be used for urgent mobilizations, healing justice efforts, direct actions, mutual aid, emergency safety needs, legal or bail fees, and other unanticipated needs that require immediate action. However, applications for ongoing programming, start-up costs, long-term initiatives, or budget shortfalls are not prioritized. Groups must demonstrate the rapid response nature of their proposal and how it builds power within their communities.

The 2025 funding cycle includes several deadlines: February 4, March 4, May 6, July 1, August 5, and October 7. Application portals open approximately one month before each deadline. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within four to six weeks of the relevant deadline, and payments are typically made within two months following notification, contingent on paperwork completion. Payment is made via ACH direct deposit, with expedited processing available for emergencies.

Applications can be submitted via a written narrative (1-2 pages), video (up to 10 minutes), or a phone/Zoom interview. Interview calls must be scheduled at least one week before the application deadline. The fund makes special accommodations for BIPOC trans-led groups, youth-led organizations under age 25, and those based in U.S. territories. Required materials include a basic group description, proposed and organizational budgets, and (if applicable) IRS letters or fiscal sponsor documentation.

For assistance, applicants may contact the fund via email at mpf@thirdwavefund.org or call 917-387-1262 x 920. Accessibility is emphasized, and feedback on the application process or requests for accommodations are welcome.