Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund

Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund (MPF)

The Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund moves resources rapidly and securely to protect frontline organizers facing immediate security threats, while investing in longer-term safety infrastructure. The fund protects frontline movement organizers from state repression, vigilante violence, digital attacks and institutional backlash as a result of their organizing work.

Total Deployed: $11.5 million in movement protection since 2020. In 2025 alone, $7 million has already been deployed to meet rising demands.

Purpose & Philosophy

• Affirms that holistic security and collective care are fundamental to sustaining the people and communities leading social justice movements
• Partners with movement formations including organizations, collectives, LLCs and individuals
• Moves resources quickly for legal, physical and digital protection
• Rooted in the tradition of movements for justice creating robust systems to ensure their own security, safety and wellness

Focus Areas & Movement Types Supported

• Abolition
• Antiwar
• Climate justice
• Electoral justice
• Immigrant justice
• Indigenous sovereignty
• Racial justice
• Trans liberation
• Workers' rights

Priority: Black, Indigenous, women and trans leaders are disproportionately targeted for their organizing and receive prioritization.

Funding Needs Supported

• Crisis response teams
• Digital security assessment and implementation
• Legal defense and impact litigation
• Mass bailouts
• Mental health and healing services
• Physical security measures
• Relocation / temporary housing
• Safety and security training
• Security personnel

Eligibility

• Geographic Scope: United States only (does not fund 501(c)(4) organizations or groups outside the United States)
• Eligible Applicants: Individuals, organizations, collectives, LLCs, and fiscally sponsored groups
• Not Eligible: 501(c)(4) organizations; groups outside the United States
• Returning Grantees: Yes, welcome to apply again (one application per grant cycle)
• Ineligible Uses: General operating costs or budget shortfalls

Grant Amounts

• No standard grant amount; custom and tailored to the groups being connected with

Application Timeline

• Grant Cycles: Begin each July, but grants are awarded throughout the year as funds are available
• Decision Timeline: Review Committee reaches out to schedule intake call within two weeks of application receipt
• Funding Timeline: Grants processed within 4-6 weeks of application receipt
• Rolling Applications: No deadline; applications reviewed on a rolling basis as funds are available

Application Process

Current Status: Open to both new and existing partnerships

Info Sessions:

• Next session: April 23, 2026, 11 am PT / 2 pm ET
• Sessions are not recorded for security reasons
• Email [email protected] for details on upcoming sessions

Historical Background

Named after beloved movement leader and Solidaire staff member Janisha R. Gabriel, MPF launched in September 2020 when a staff member experienced an active shooter threat. Simultaneously, movement partners called for support as they faced heightened security attacks from organized right-wing actors during 2020 mass mobilizations in defense of Black lives. Black, Indigenous, women and trans leaders guided its creation.

Current Threats

Movement leaders face mounting aggression from right-wing culture wars targeting trans people, immigrants, racial justice organizers, antiwar protesters, land defenders and others. New and proposed legislation aims to criminalize protests, stifle mutual aid and suppress freedom of speech and dissent.

How to Apply

Step 1: Attend an Information Session
Email [email protected] to register for an upcoming information session to learn more about eligibility, priorities and if you're a good fit to apply.

• Next info session: April 23, 2026, 11 am PT / 2 pm ET
• Sessions are not recorded for security reasons
• Multiple sessions offered throughout the year

Step 2: Gather Your Application Materials

Prepare the following:

1. A short description of your safety and security needs and the support you're requesting
2. A proposed budget of how you plan to use the funds
3. Documentation based on your IRS tax status:
   • If 501(c)(3) organization: IRS Determination Letter
   • If fiscally sponsored by 501(c)(3): Fiscal Sponsor's IRS Determination Letter AND Current Fiscal Sponsorship Letter signed by both parties
   • If individual: No additional documentation required at this stage
   • If LLC: IRS letter confirming the LLC's Employer Identification Number (EIN)
4. Contact information for the applicant

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Use a secure, encrypted application form (provided after info session)
• Do NOT send applications via email - request information is treated as sensitive
• Secure submission process detailed during information session

Step 4: Review Timeline

• Review Committee will reach out to schedule an intake call within two weeks of receiving your application
• Grants are processed within 4-6 weeks of application receipt
• High volume of applications; please be patient