Catalyze Fund's Rapid Response Grants

_NOTE: 9/24/24, Due to an overwhelming response of incredible applications, all the Rapid Response funds have been granted to a number of organizations._

Catalyze Fund

Pillars Fund Catalyze Grants support a vibrant, multidisciplinary network of Muslim organizations and leaders who advance social good.

Rapid Response Grants

Young leaders and community advocates, from college campuses to Congress, are addressing immediate crises and working to resolve systemic problems. Supporting these community led solutions that advance economic and social well-being and protect civil liberties is more critical than ever. That’s why Catalyze Fund is launching the Rapid Response Fund—to accelerate and amplify the work of frontline changemakers in this critical moment.

Funding Priorities & Activities

This fund will award grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 to organizations working on:

• Youth and Campus Mobilizing
  • Initiatives that bring together young people and students to respond to urgent issues and address systemic problems on their campuses and in their surrounding communities.
  • This includes working on challenges like campus safety, educational equity, and local concerns.
• Racial Justice Solidarity
  • Activities that address urgent needs related to advocating for Palestinian rights, migrant rights, and community safety.
  • This includes providing safety and security support, legal assistance, and public education efforts.
• Civic Engagement
  • Efforts that boost civic participation and advocate for a more inclusive and fair democratic process.
  • This includes promoting voter engagement and fostering a diverse and representative democracy.

Funding will be available for the following types of activities:

• Immediate Crisis:
  • Support for emergency relief, legal aid, and know your rights training.
• Community Organizing and Policy Advocacy:
  • Support for community mobilization, leadership development, coalition building, public awareness campaigns, and research to advance ongoing campaigns.
• Communications and Digital Media:
  • Resources for crisis communications, online campaigns, digital security, and the development of digital tools to enhance ongoing campaigns.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Organizations must meet the following criteria to be considered for Rapid Response funding:
  • Urgency
  • The request should address an immediate need or crisis related to the funding priorities listed above.
  • Tax Status
  • The organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor with the appropriate tax status.
  • Financial Stability
  • The organization should have a plan for meeting the overall project budget if the Rapid Response funding does not cover all costs.

Ineligibility

• Grants cannot be used for lobbying purposes.
• The Rapid Response grants will not support:
  • Long-term projects unrelated to immediate or urgent needs.
  • Partisan political campaigns, electioneering, or ballot initiatives.
  • Basic or individual needs, such as direct donations or scholarships.
  • Non-emergency travel, conference expenses, or general organizational development.
  • Research that does not directly support rapid response efforts.
  • International aid or international development