Safety & Security Rapid Response Fund

Overview

_NOTE:  The SJF Team will continue accepting applications until our funding designated for this support is depleted._

**Borealis Philanthropy
**

Who We Are

Borealis is a social justice philanthropic intermediary working to resource grassroots movements for transformative change. We build bridges between funders and organizers to support movements working to make a future that serves all of us.

Founded in 2015, Borealis has grown to include nine collaborative funds working to enhance our collective impact within and between movements across the country. From Black-led movement building, to queer and trans liberation, to disability justice and inclusion, our work is rooted in the understanding that in order to upend oppressive systems, we must support the people most impacted by those systems.

Our Mission

Borealis works with funders to direct resources to people building powerful, thriving communities. We invest in leaders, organizations, and movements using diverse and leading-edge strategies to pursue transformational change.

Spark Justice Fund

The Spark Justice Fund (SJF) launched in 2019 and resources grassroots organizing groups that are ending money bail and unjust pretrial detention policies. The SJF focuses on supporting grassroots and power-building groups to decarcerate, close jails, and advance transformative visions of pretrial justice in the communities most impacted by incarceration.

Safety & Security Rapid Response Fund

Recognizing the challenging and hostile environments that organizations are operating in, particularly during this significant election year, the SJF is now accepting requests for proposals to support organizations addressing our safety & security rapid response funding priorities. The SJF prioritizes funding for work towards, but not limited to:

* Emergency Preparedness and Response:
* Ensuring the physical safety of staff and volunteers, implementing security protocols, providing safety training, and having emergency response plans in place.
* Cybersecurity:
* Protecting against data breaches, phishing scams, malware attacks, privacy concerns, and protecting sensitive information.
* Crisis Communication:
* Managing communication during times of unexpected or significant adversity that could potentially harm an organization’s reputation, operations, or stakeholders.

Eligibility

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

* The proposal process is open to any groups meeting the criteria below:
* 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization;
* Have an annual operating budget of $750,000 or less this year;
* Did not receive a payment from the SJF last year;

* Are working authentically with the communities most impacted by policing and incarceration;
* Have an explicit, demonstrated commitment to racial, disability, and gender justice that is reflected in the organization’s leadership and staffing and in how it conducts its work;
* Work includes a power-building and leadership-development strategy that centers those most impacted by policing.

Ineligibility

* What SJF does not fund:
* Direct services work that is not connected to advocacy/organizing to address systemic issues
* Training for police officers
* Law enforcement-led Associations, Foundations, or Athletic Leagues
* University-led research and centers
* Individuals
* Government entities
* International projects