Crossroads Fund's Theory of Change

When Crossroads Fund fulfills its leadership role in the philanthropic sector, it will effectively support innovative organizing models resulting in cohesive movement-building leading to self-empowered and sustainable communities organizing together to transform conditions, institutions and policies to create equality and opportunities for all members of society.

Small Grants – Big Change

At Crossroads Fund we believe that big change can come from small beginnings. Some of the biggest victories we’ve seen in this city, from accessible public transit for people with disabilities, to the successful campaign to abolish the death penalty in Illinois, started out as small grassroots movements that were considered too radical for most funders. That’s where Crossroads Fund comes in. We give small grants to new and emerging groups, providing critical support from the beginning. We are often the first foundation grant that our grantees have applied for or received.

Activist Led Grantmaking

At Crossroads Fund, we believe that the people who best understand the issues at hand should participate in our funding decisions. That’s why our grantmaking committees include diverse people, including past and current grantees, community organizers, donors, academics, and community allies. This rich pool of knowledge lets us ask hard questions, and direct our funds to the most effective and innovative groups.

Giving Grants – Building Movements

At Crossroads Fund, we do more than just give grants: we help to build city-wide movements for social change. We provide workshops and trainings that help our grantees build their capacity and refine their organizing and advocacy strategies. We organize public programs that help provide a platform for our grantees to educate about their issues and influence public debate. And we bring together our grantees in convening that allow them to share strategies and build alliances.

What we Fund

Crossroads Fund supports grassroots groups working for racial, social, and economic justice in the Chicago area. See a list of our past grantees, or follow the links below to read more about the impact of our grantees across a wide range of important issues:

• Criminal Justice
• Disability Rights
• Environment
• Community Development
• Worker Rights
• Immigrant Rights
• Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Rights
• Women and Girls
• Youth