1. Create an account or log in to Crossroads Fund’s Online Grant Portal.
2. Click APPLY in the upper menu.
3. Type “ORGANIZE” in the “Enter Access Code” box in the top right corner.
4. The application will now be available. Scroll down to the lower right corner and click “Apply” to start the application.

All applicants must use the Grant Portal. If you have any questions on the new system, or on the application process in general, please email Joanna Preston at joanna@crossroadsfund.org or call 773-227-7676.

• Grassroots Leadership: we support groups that involve the people who are directly affected by an issue at all levels of the organization – in planning, organizing and leading, and working to continue building leadership within the grassroots community. 
• Solid Plan: clear purpose and well-planned goals, objectives, activities, timeline, and budget.
• Work in the Chicago Metropolitan Area: includes Chicago and surrounding counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will, along with Lake County, Indiana. 
• Current and Returning Grantees with budgets under $700,000 will be prioritized. Applicants may request between $5,000 – $30,000*(subject to change depending on fundraising).
• Funds should be used within 12 months of receipt.
• Applicants must be aligned with Crossroads Fund’s criteria.  

• Priority is given to grassroots organizations actively engaged in community organizing and movement-building with a demonstrated commitment to social justice and collaborative work across issues.
• Demonstrated need for funding due to acute vulnerabilities and time-sensitive, critical needs related to legal, internal organizational infrastructure and resilience, and digital and physical security. 
• This fund does not cover general operating expenses, ongoing programming, or regularly scheduled events. Organizations seeking long-term support should explore Crossroads Fund’s other available grant opportunities.

• Enhancing organizational infrastructure and housekeeping, including governance protocols, risk assessments, critical wellness support, and crisis management and communications planning. 
• Emergency response funding for organizations facing immediate physical or digital threats due to legal or security vulnerabilities. 
• Rapid Response and Urgent Mobilizations to counter unexpected policy changes or political threats that endanger communities and defend collective rights and safety
• Emergent Convenings and Community Solidarity that foster strategy development, solidarity, healing, and organizing among impacted communities while creating space for shared learning and strengthening.
• New Campaigns, Coalitions and Pathways to support new or growing coalitions, and to scale campaigns that aim for collective impact and long-term change. 
• Strategic Shifts and Experimentations that re-strategizes responses to a shifting political landscape while encouraging bold tactics and models to expand base-building, communications, and/or grow organizing reach and effectiveness. 
• Legal Assistance for organizations facing urgent legal vulnerabilities and challenges.
• Digital Security to strengthen overall organization infrastructure through practices, policies, governance, risk assessments,  crisis management or communications planning.

• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a response time of 4-6 weeks after submission. 
• Each application is screened to ensure alignment with funding priorities. 
• Staff will review submissions and make recommendations for final board approval.
• All applicants will be notified of the funding decision via phone call or email.

What is Crossroads Fund’s grantmaking process?
Crossroads Fund uses community grantmaking processes for a variety of funds. Please visit our Grantmaking Process page for a description of each fund’s grantmaking process.

Does Crossroads Fund support direct or social service organizations?
Crossroads Fund supports social services when linked with activism, when there is a component of social change work within the organization. Please visit read our Funding Criteria for a full discussion of social change organizing. Also check out our current grantees to see what types of groups we typically fund.

What if my group is not based in Chicago?
Crossroads Fund supports work rooted in communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. If you have any questions about geographic limits in our criteria, please email Joanna Preston, joanna@crossroadsfund.org. If your work would fit into Crossroads Fund’s social change funding guidelines, but you are located in another area of the United States or Puerto Rico, check out the Giving Project’s list of sibling funds.

Can local chapters of national organizations apply?
Yes, when the chapter has a strong base in Chicago area communities, and an autonomous fundraising strategy (is not solely dependent on the national group for funding).

Does Crossroads Fund have grant programs for individuals?
No, Crossroads Fund supports organizations. We cannot fund individuals.

Do I have to use Crossroads Fund’s application forms?
Yes – Crossroads Fund now requires all applicants to use our online grant portal.

How do I know if my organization fits Crossroads Fund’s budgetary restrictions?
We look at an organization’s previous year’s actual expenses to determine its fit with our budgetary guidelines. Most of our funding programs are for organizations with budgets under $500,000. If your organization’s planned budget for the current fiscal year is $510,000, but your last fiscal year’s actual expenses were $485,500, you would fit. Organizational budgets slightly over $500,000 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What if my organization does not have 501(c)(3) status?

Crossroads Fund supports non-profit organizations, including those that do not have 501(c)3 status. Fiscal sponsorship for those organizations without tax-exempt status is recommended but not required. An organizational bank account is required for those groups not using a fiscal sponsor.
Crossroads Fund also considers funding for 501(c)(4) organizations on a limited basis. Please contact Lizette G. at lizette@crossroadsfund.org to learn more.

Can I send my application via mail?
No, we no longer accept applications through the mail – all applications must be submitted through our online grant portal.