Groundwork Organizer Network

Groundwork Organizer Network

Status: Active

Geographic Scope: Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia

Overview:
The anchor of Groundwork's engagement model, the Groundwork Organizer Network provides capital, community and capacity to local frontline organizers in focus states. This first-of-its-kind program resources, supports and connects 501c3 and 501c4 grassroots organizers on democracy's frontlines.

Focus Areas:

Community organizing for democracy protection and civic engagement

Year-round base-building within particular communities, issues or demographics

Activities include: community and voter education, direct action, election protection, issue advocacy, leadership development, narrative change, and digital organizing

Eligibility:

Organizations in Groundwork's four partner states: Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia

Must be committed to using community organizing as primary tool for powerbuilding

Must be actively executing year-round organizing programs aimed at base-building

Programming must support long-term, statewide efforts to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic future

What They Don't Fund:

Groups engaged solely in direct service

Award Structure:

Unrestricted, multi-year general operating capital

Current funding level: $100,000 over four years, or $25,000/year for four years

Multi-year commitment

Support Provided:

Capital: Unrestricted, multi-year general operating funds

Capacity: Wraparound support including donor cultivation, skills training, organization development, digital content creation, technical assistance, 1:1 coaching and mentoring, pro bono legal support, technology tools, and community trainings

Community: Access to vibrant, cross-state community of like-minded organizers; monthly state-based calls; quarterly network calls; 1:1 relationship facilitation; regular convenings for cross-state, cross-region and cross-country ties

Impact:

4 partner states targeted

Nearly $6M funds committed

90+ frontline organizations receiving support

Contact: Interest form available on website