Apply for a Grant
1. Describe your organization, group, or project and the community you serve.
2. How does your work support minorities, Black communities, people of color, or historically marginalized communities within the Blue Mountain Region?
3. What community need, systemic barrier, or inequity is your project seeking to address?
4. How does your work contribute to advocacy, community power building, leadership development, or systems change?
5. In what ways does your project increase visibility, representation, or community belonging?
6. Describe how your leadership, board, or organizing team reflects and remains accountable to the communities you serve.
7. What specific outcomes or long-term impact do you hope this funding will help create?
8. How will this funding help strengthen the sustainability or infrastructure of your organization, project, or initiative?
9. Describe any partnerships, collaborations, or community relationships connected to this work.
10. Please share any additional information, supporting materials, presentations, or videos that help explain your vision, impact, and funding request.
Running Waters Equity Fund provides funding support for organizations, groups, and community-led initiatives advancing advocacy, visibility, leadership development, sustainable infrastructure, and systems change for minorities, Black communities, people of color, and historically marginalized communities throughout the Blue Mountain Region.
Our funding priorities center work that builds long-term community power, strengthens representation, supports culturally responsive initiatives, and creates measurable social, civic, cultural, and economic impact.
Funding is provided through an invitation-based application process.
Applicants must align with the mission, vision, and funding priorities of Running Waters Equity Fund.
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Eligible applicants include:
• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Fiscally sponsored organizations or projects
• Community groups and collaborative initiatives operating under a fiscal sponsor
• Minority-led and community-accountable organizations and initiatives
• Organizations and projects serving the Blue Mountain Region
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Priority may be given to applicants that:
• Are led by or directly accountable to historically marginalized communities • Focus on advocacy, policy, civic engagement, or systems change
• Increase visibility and representation in the community
• Build long-term organizational sustainability and infrastructure
• Demonstrate strong community partnerships and engagement
• Invest in leadership development and community power building
Running Waters Equity Fund prioritizes funding for projects and organizations focused on:
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• Advocacy and legislative change
• Community organizing and civic engagement
• Leadership development
• Cultural visibility and representation
• Minority-led community programs and events
• Sustainable organizational infrastructure
• Community education and outreach
• Economic and social empowerment initiatives
• Systems change and equitable policy work
Step 1 — Request a Meeting
All potential applicants must first request a meeting with Running Waters Equity Fund to discuss:
• Community need
• Project goals
• Organizational mission
• Funding alignment
• Proposed impact
This conversation helps determine alignment with our mission and funding priorities.
Step 2 — Invitation to Apply
Organizations and groups that align with our funding priorities may receive an invitation to submit a formal application.
Step 3 — Submit Application Materials
Invited applicants may submit:
• Written proposals
• Organizational information
• Budgets and financial documents
• Project timelines
• Photos or visual materials
• Presentation decks
• Video presentations or funding pitches
• Additional supporting documentation
All required application questions must be completed before review.
Running Waters Equity Fund accepts meeting requests year-round.
Application invitation timelines and funding cycles may vary based on available funding, project scope, partnerships, and organizational priorities.
Specific deadlines, funding opportunities, and response timelines will be communicated directly to invited applicants.
Applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors and/or designated review committees of Running Waters Equity Fund.
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Applications are evaluated based on:
• Alignment with mission and funding priorities
• Community impact and demonstrated need
• Leadership and accountability to community
• Sustainability and infrastructure development
• Advocacy and systems change potential
• Visibility and representation impact
• Organizational readiness and feasibility
• Collaboration and community partnerships
Funding decisions are based on available resources, community impact potential, and overall alignment with organizational priorities.
Q: Do I need to be a nonprofit organization to apply?
A: No. We fund registered 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored projects, collaborative community groups, and initiatives aligned with our mission and vision.
Q: Can individuals apply for funding?
A: Funding is generally prioritized for organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and community-led initiatives. Individuals may be considered if connected to a larger community-based effort or fiscal sponsor.
Q: What types of projects do you fund?
A: We support advocacy work, leadership development, community organizing, cultural visibility initiatives, systems change work, educational programming, community events, and projects focused on strengthening historically marginalized communities.
Q: Do you fund operational or infrastructure support?
A: Yes. We recognize the importance of sustainable infrastructure and may fund staffing, operational support, organizational development, and long-term capacity building.
Q: Is there a formal application available online?
A: Applications are by invitation only. The first step is requesting a meeting to discuss your project, organization, or community need.
Q: Can I submit a video presentation instead of a traditional proposal?
A: Yes. Invited applicants may submit video presentations, visual presentations, and additional creative materials along with required application information.
Q: How long does the review process take?
A: Review timelines vary depending on funding cycles, project scope, and available resources. Applicants will receive communication regarding timelines during the application process.
Q: What geographic areas do you serve?
A: Funding priority is given to organizations, projects, and initiatives serving communities throughout the Blue Mountain Region.