Grants
Grant Opportunities
BIG CHANGE COMES FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS
Since 1981, Crossroads Fund has supported organizing to strengthen movements undoing systems of racial, social and economic oppression.
We believe big change comes from small beginnings and those who understand the issues at-hand exist at the margins of philanthropy.
Oftentimes, the concept of charity perpetuates systems of injustice to control communities and individuals made vulnerable whereas change reimagines the ways in which power is distributed in our society. Our practices are infused with long-term solidarity, transparency and democratizing decision-making to sustain transformative work. Our justice funding and movement building programs are commitments to funding visionary and radical organizers and activists transforming Chicago and beyond. We invest in communities rather than issues areas and support the self-determination of communities and organizations to strengthen movements for justice through streamlined applications and unrestricted funding.
OUR 2024-2025 GRANTS CALENDAR
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our Grants Calendar for 2025-2026 has been released. Please take a moment to add these important dates to your calendar and apply through our user-friendly online portal. For detailed information on each grant opportunity see below.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUND
In an attempt to be more responsive and streamlined, we will be merging our Technical Assistance Fund with our Seed Fund Renewal application.
APPLICATION PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Community Resilience Fund
The Community Resilience Fund (CRF) provides rapid-response funding to communities facing heightened political threats. We resource time-sensitive shifts in organizing and campaigns, emerging mobilizations or direct actions and/or legal assistance, digital security to meet the current political moment.
Please note that this fund does not cover ongoing efforts, budget shortfalls or regularly planned programming.
APPLICATION OPENS: AUGUST 12, 2025
APPLICATION CLOSES: NOVEMBER 11, 2025
YOUTH FUND FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
The Youth Fund for Social Change provides resources to young people working on social justice in their communities.
APPLICATION CLOSED
SEED FUND
The Seed Fund prioritizes small and emerging organizations, groups and coalitions actively leading social change work.
APPLICATION OPENS: JANUARY 6, 2026
APPLICATION CLOSES: FEBRUARY 10, 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
GRANTEES
OUR GRANTEES FIGHT FOR THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE.
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