Rapid Response Grants Program

The North Star Fund’s Rapid Response Grants are provided by a community foundation focused on supporting grassroots organizing in New York City and the Hudson Valley. The fund exists through contributions from individual donors and emphasizes support for organizations addressing systemic injustice. Grants are specifically intended for organizations responding to unexpected shifts in the political landscape or facing pivotal moments in ongoing campaigns. These responses may include mutual aid initiatives, healing justice, and bail funds, though grants are not intended for providing direct services like food or basic needs or replacing lost revenue. These grants target short-term needs to catalyze long-term systems-based change. The funding is structured to help organizations realize specific outcomes or impacts within a three-to-six-month timeframe. Eligibility is strictly aligned with community organizing principles. Funded groups must be involved in collective power building among those most impacted by injustice, with campaigns targeting institutional or policy changes. Organizations should center community voices in their leadership structures and campaign strategies. The grant amounts are either $2,500 or $5,000, and each organization may receive no more than $5,000 in a 12-month period. Preference is given to smaller organizations with annual budgets below $800,000, particularly those that have previously received support from the North Star Fund. New and emerging organizations are eligible, even if they don’t fully meet traditional organizing criteria, so long as they demonstrate potential and include leadership from impacted communities. To be eligible, organizations must be based in and conduct work within New York City’s five boroughs or the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Rensselaer, Albany, or Schoharie. Local chapters of state or national organizations can apply if they meet geographic and organizing criteria. Ineligible uses of funds include travel to conferences and addressing organizational cash flow issues. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are submitted through JustFund. Applicants should be prepared to describe their organization, membership, leadership structure, the critical moment they’re responding to, proposed actions, expected outcomes, and the requested amount with intended use. Grant decisions are typically made within two weeks of submission. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may still apply, but must have a fiscal sponsor before receiving funds. For further assistance or questions, applicants can contact North Star Fund at [email protected] or call 212-620-9110.