Gerbode Foundation Grant

Overview

_NOTE:  Unfortunately, we have paused our Letter of Inquiry process while we undergo an executive transition. Click here to be added to the Foundation’s announcement list to be notified of future updates._

**Background
**

We empower courageous leaders and visionary artists who make a positive impact in their communities and inspire others to change the world.

Principles Guiding Our Grantmaking

The Gerbode Foundation supports projects that:

* Inform and empower communities by utilizing all forms of media and communication tools to advance truth;

* Advocate at the local, state or federal level for policy changes that improve social and economic outcomes for communities most in need;
* Mobilize action to change existing policies and practices that perpetuate inequality or discrimination; and
* Leverage key public, private, and philanthropic stakeholders in collaborations or coalitions that strengthen communities.

We look for organizations that are led by exceptional leaders, are fiscally sound, and have the potential to leverage our investment with other resources. We also maintain our founder’s entrepreneurial and pioneering spirit by looking for new opportunities to innovate, using unconventional approaches whenever appropriate.

The grants generally range from $2,500 to $100,000, depending on the scope of the project, whether it clearly fits within the Foundation’s programmatic priorities, and other internal factors that influence our funding decisions. An average size grant is $25,000.

Program Areas

* Advancing Truth
* Truth is power. Gerbode seeks to elevate the voices of truth to counter misinformation.
* We look to partner with organizations that use media and new technologies as tools to inform and engage the public on critical issues, as well as influence change in current policies and practices that cause harm to individuals, communities and our environment.
* We are interested in supporting community leaders who are courageous truth tellers and can inspire passion for change, and we embrace authentic and diverse viewpoints, narratives, and solutions that have the potential to alter culture, policy and behavior.

* Justice
* Gerbode is deeply committed to advancing justice for populations that are currently experiencing trauma and persecution due to factors including the color of their skin, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, language spoken, or religious beliefs.
* We believe in the importance of community-driven strategies and other appropriate approaches, including the critical power of collaboration across communities, sectors, and institutions, as key ingredients of positive social change.

* Environment
* Gerbode seeks to use its resources to heal the relationship between people and the earth.
* We value the role that communities play in addressing conservation, preservation, and quality of life concerns ranging from the quality of our air, water, and oceans to the preservation of open space and other natural resources.
* We seek to elevate the issues of environmental justice, which includes access to healthy food, transportation, and safe and healthy neighborhoods.
* And, we believe in the importance of strategic community planning to ensure that the public sector develops appropriate and effective plans, policies, and procedures to address important urban concerns that result in strong, diverse, and culturally vibrant neighborhoods.

* Arts
* The Special Awards in the Arts Program supports the creation of new works in dance, theater production, and music composition.
* These nationally respected awards have helped underwrite acclaimed new works that are culturally and aesthetically diverse, by prominent and emerging artists.
* These grants have supported artists at critical junctures in their careers; enabled nonprofit local arts groups to develop and debut substantial, original works; and enriched Bay Area audiences, readers, and viewers by giving them first access to ambitious new creations.

Eligibility

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

* The primary geographical focus is on the San Francisco Bay Area (counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo) and Hawaii.

Ineligibility

* The Foundation generally does not support the following:
* Documentary or full-length films
* International projects
* Direct services
* Buildings or equipment
* Capital campaigns
* Endowments
* Private Schools
* Scholarships
* Sponsorships
* Grants to individuals