Grief Reach Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle

The Grief Reach Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle is a grant initiative jointly administered by the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief. Launched as part of a long-standing commitment to support childhood bereavement services in the United States, this cycle continues their collaborative effort to strengthen organizational capacity, improve access to services, and promote innovative programming. Since 2011, the Grief Reach program has provided funding to nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance their services for grieving youth and families. For this cycle, the program also integrates the Childhood Bereavement Changemaker Initiative from Judi’s House/JAG Institute, reinforcing a three-year support model focused on evaluation and innovation. This cycle’s theme emphasizes innovation in community expansion. Applicants are encouraged to examine their community's unique challenges and propose creative, non-traditional methods for reaching and supporting grieving children. This could include hosting weekend events for working families, expanding outreach into underutilized community spaces, or integrating new program models tailored to local demographics. The intent is to broaden service impact by rethinking traditional delivery mechanisms, with a focus on inclusivity and direct response to localized needs. The structure of the grant spans three years. In the first year, selected grantees participate in the Childhood Bereavement Changemaker Initiative, receiving $10,000 and dedicating 8 to 12 hours per month to program evaluation training, workshops, and individualized consultations. In years two and three, recipients implement their proposed community expansion project, with two funding tracks available: $110,000 total ($10,000 + $50,000 + $50,000) or $160,000 total ($10,000 + $75,000 + $75,000), depending on organizational capacity. Continued evaluation support is provided for up to four hours annually during the implementation phase. To apply, organizations must first complete a two-stage eligibility form by November 21, 2025. This includes a fit assessment for the Changemaker Initiative and a financial eligibility review. Only nonprofits that have not previously participated in the Changemaker Initiative and meet certain financial thresholds (e.g., a minimum operating budget of $333,000 or $500,000, depending on the funding track) may apply. Applicants must also demonstrate 501(c)(3) status, have at least one paid staff member, and commit to cultural considerations in their proposal. Applications are due by December 1, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The review process includes representatives from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, Judi’s House/JAG Institute, the New York Life Foundation, and subject matter experts in bereavement. Award decisions will be announced in March 2026, and all funded organizations must consent to the grantor’s terms before disbursement. Grantees are expected to submit annual progress reports and a final narrative and financial report upon completion. Questions should be directed to the National Alliance for Children’s Grief at [email protected].

Begin eligibility process early; applications with incomplete eligibility or financial documents will not be reviewed; focus on cultural relevance in community programming.