Rapid Response Grants

The North Star Fund’s Rapid Response Grants program is designed to support grassroots organizing efforts that require immediate financial support in response to urgent political shifts or critical junctures in campaigns. As a community foundation serving New York City and the Hudson Valley, North Star Fund is dedicated to empowering organizations that are rooted in and led by the communities they serve. The fund prioritizes systemic change, particularly where injustices affect communities of color and other marginalized populations. These grants are part of a broader commitment to social justice and grassroots power-building, which includes mutual aid efforts, healing justice work, and bail funds. The primary purpose of these grants is to enable community-based organizations to quickly respond to new threats or opportunities that impact their long-term organizing goals. The grants are specifically intended to achieve defined outcomes within three to six months, providing a tactical boost to campaigns or movements that are at a turning point. However, these funds are not designed to replace lost revenue or offer basic services such as food distribution. Instead, they aim to influence systemic actors and institutions, often through mass mobilization, direct action, or public pressure campaigns. Funding is capped at $2,500 for immediate actions, with a maximum of $5,000 available to any organization over a 12-month period. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their response strategy aligns with the goal of achieving systemic change. North Star Fund does not provide funding for travel to conferences or to resolve internal cash flow issues. Preference is given to small organizations with annual budgets below $800,000, especially those that lack access to support from national foundations. Both new and established organizations are eligible, with emerging groups evaluated more flexibly against organizing criteria. Eligible organizations must demonstrate elements of community organizing, including identifying the root causes of injustice, involving affected communities in leadership roles, and targeting systemic actors or policy makers. Geographic eligibility is limited to the five boroughs of New York City and selected counties in the Hudson Valley, including Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and others. Local chapters of statewide or national organizations may apply if they are based in and working within these areas. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted but must be in place by the time of grant disbursement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted via North Star Fund’s JustFund portal. Organizations experiencing hardship in applying online may request an appointment for support. The application includes five questions covering organizational background, membership and leadership structure, description of the urgent issue, proposed response and expected outcomes, and budget and use of funds. While the rapid response process typically takes two weeks, North Star Fund’s broader application process may take up to three months. Interested applicants may direct questions to the grants team at [email protected] or call the office directly at 212-620-9110. While no formal PDF guidelines are provided, a wealth of information and support materials is available on the funder’s website, including a directory of potential fiscal sponsors. This rapid response program is ongoing, and applications can be submitted at any time.