Together, We Rise Grant

Together, We Rise is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering communities affected by injustice in Oregon. It fosters grassroots organizing, leadership development, and civic engagement, particularly for Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and refugee populations. By supporting collective action and building movement infrastructure, the initiative enhances community resilience and promotes social justice. Funding focuses on long-term engagement and solidarity across diverse movements, ensuring that local voices are heard and uplifted in the pursuit of equity and justice.

About the Initiative
Together, We Rise is dedicated to building long-term power in communities most impacted by injustice. Instead of focusing on single issues, this work strengthens the collective capacity for action and sustains the conditions where justice can take root and thrive. We support leadership development, civic engagement, community organizing and movement infrastructure — especially efforts that serve Black, Indigenous, immigrant and refugee communities. By investing in the people and networks driving change, Together, We Rise helps foster a stronger democracy and a more just Oregon.
Funding Goals
For this funding opportunity, we are supporting movement builders, working outside of the three portfolio issue areas, whose work to advance justice includes:
Grassroots community organizing that builds and engages a base of directly impacted people over the long-term.
Leadership development that builds skills, capacity and networks for active engagement in movements for justice.Focused efforts to build solidarity and connect movements across issues, populations or geography.

Eligibility

Meyer will accept applications from the following types of organizations: 501(c)(3) public charitiesState, local and tribal governments (including public schools)Tax-exempt faith-based organizationsFiscally sponsored charitable groups or programsAdditional Eligibility Requirements:In order to start an application, you will be asked to confirm that the applicant organization(s) meet the following general eligibility requirements:Meyer will only fund work that takes place in or otherwise benefits people in Oregon.Meyer funds cannot be used for proselytizing.In addition, applicants must comply with Meyer’s policy regarding nondiscrimination.Examples of Work We May Fund Building a base by bringing impacted community members together to understand their experiences and provide political educationCreating an intentional space for community leaders and organizers to learn together, network and deepen relationships that support their movement workPopular Education leadership training Organizing and partnerships that create strategic connections between communities

Ineligibility

We Won’t Fund Standalone leadership development programs that are disconnected from active engagement in social change workCollaborations that don't foster ongoing community power buildingWork design and implementation without active ongoing participation of the communities most impactedOrganizing that is focused on issues that fall within the scope of Meyer’s three portfolios: Our Collective Prosperity, Our Empowered Youth and Our Resilient PlacesUnallowable Costs Expenses incurred prior to the grant start dateCapital improvements or construction costsLobbying activities. See the “Projects with Lobbying” section of this document for more informationVoter registration activitiesEfforts to support or oppose candidates for political office