Norman Foundation Grants

Norman Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Norman Foundation
Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Summary

The Norman Foundation Grants aim to empower communities in the U.S. to enhance their economic, environmental, and social well-being. By supporting projects that promote economic justice, prevent toxic waste disposal, and link grassroots efforts to broader reform, the foundation seeks to foster systemic change. It prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, ensuring funds are directed to initiatives that resonate with the aspirations of those most affected by social issues.

Overview

Thomas Jefferson observed that "the ground of liberty is won by inches." The Norman Foundation seeks to help win some of those precious inches.  We support efforts that strengthen the ability of communities to determine their own economic, environmental and social well-being, and that help people control those forces that affect their lives.  These efforts may: Promote economic justice and development through community organizing, coalition building and policy reform efforts.Work to prevent the disposal of toxics in communities, and to link environmental issues with economic and social justice.    Link community-based economic and environmental justice organizing to national and international reform efforts. We will consider the following in evaluating grant proposals: Does the project arise from the hopes and efforts of those whose survival, well-being and liberation are directly at stake?Does it further ethnic, gender and other forms of equity?Is it rooted in organized, practical undertakings?Is it likely to achieve systemic change? In pursuing systemic change, we would hope that: The proposed action may serve as a model.The spread of the model may create institutions that can survive on their own.Their establishment and success may generate beneficial adaptations by other political, social and economic institutions and structures. The Foundation provides grants for general support, projects, and collaborative efforts. We also welcome innovative proposals designed to build the capacity of social change organizations working in our areas of interest.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation's grant making is restricted to U.S.-based organizations.Programs seeking funding must be tax exempt and focused primarily on domestic issues.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not make grants to: Individuals. Universities.Support for conferences.Scholarships.ResearchFilms, media and arts projects. Capital funding projects.Fundraising drives.Direct social service programs, such as shelters or community health programs.