The Activation Fund is a grant opportunity offered by the Foundation to support community organizations with discrete, one-year projects designed to enhance their capacity and effectiveness. This funding can help organizations undertake initiatives such as training and professional development, pilot programs or demonstration projects, program planning, start-up costs, or specific capital projects, including equipment and technology purchases. The fund's objective is to help organizations reach the next level of effectiveness, with a focus on those that will not need ongoing fundraising to sustain the project once the grant period ends.

The fund has a set of guidelines and application processes that applicants must follow. Interested organizations should submit Phase I materials by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The materials required for Phase I include a Cover Sheet, a brief Concept Paper, and a list of Board members or senior leaders (depending on the type of organization). The Concept Paper should detail the proposed project, the requested grant amount, the organization's mission, services, and geographic area of operation, the expected impact of the project, and estimated costs.

Organizations that submit Phase I materials will be notified by April 11, 2025, if they are invited to submit Phase II materials. Phase II applications will be due on May 15, 2025. Successful applicants will receive funding decisions by June 27, 2025. If funded, the grant period for the Activation Fund will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Before applying, organizations are encouraged to attend virtual Information Sessions, which will take place on January 27, 2025, and February 6, 2025, to learn more about the process. Applicants may register for these sessions via an Info Session Registration Form. There will also be office hours and post-session Q&A available. Organizations must submit only one application per grant cycle, and preference may be given to organizations that have not received funding from the Foundation in the past 12 months.

The foundation seeks to fund organizations that show strong leadership, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a track record of operational sustainability. Successful applicants are expected to have measurable goals and objectives and demonstrate program effectiveness. The grant review process will be conducted by the Foundation staff and Directors, with final decisions made by the Board of Directors. Factors considered include diversity, leadership, and financial stability.