Proposals need to impact at least one of the three strategic funding areas: Economic Justice, Social Justice, or Leadership Development. The examples below demonstrate the difference between social change and social service programming in each funding area and are included for purposes of illustration only.
Economic Justice
The creation of fair economic policies that work for everyone, that enable employment to be a way out of poverty rather than another form of poverty, that provide an adequate safety net, that guarantee workers a voice, and that allow workers to be good employees and good members of their families and communities. A just economy is one that protects and sustains the dignity of humans while benefiting the health, natural resources and cultures of the larger community.
Most Likely to Fund: Social Change
“Just Us” is a newly formed advocacy organization for women. It advocates for the needs of women and issues such as rebuilding the safety net for working families through living/minimum wage strategies, improving caregiver jobs and creating community-based apprenticeship programs. It also offers an educational series that looks at the intersection of poverty, race, class and gender. It collaborates with women and poverty and labor groups.
Not Likely to Fund: Social Service
“Training Place” is a suburban agency providing job training in clerical, secretarial and accounting skills. It recently identified diversity as a strategic direction and is interested in recruiting women of color for suburban job placement. It is seeking funding for staff development in cultural competency and diversity training.
Social Justice
Working for a just redistribution of power and resources, by changing the circumstances, systems and attitudes that create inequalities and prevent people from participating fully in society.
Most Likely to Fund: Social Change
Agency “One World” is committed to supporting broad-based movements for social change by building the capacity of peace and social justice organizing through direct training and assistance. One World seeks funding for the Dismantling Racism Initiative that challenges grassroots groups to examine the structures, policies and attitudes that allow racism to exist within organizations and to explore strategies for change. Facilitators will be recruited and trained from diverse backgrounds and issue work.
Not Likely to Fund: Social Service
Agency “New Neighbors” has just opened its doors. Its main purpose is to encourage home ownership in a community that has a high percentage of non-owner occupied housing. It plans to counsel prospective homeowners and help them clear up their credit issues in preparation for home ownership.
Leadership Development
Encouraging new leaders and existing leaders among women and girls through knowledge/skill acquisition and practice in ways that help them use their power to effect social change and promote the value of equity, social justice, self-knowledge, personal empowerment, collaboration, citizenship, and service.
Most Likely to Fund: Social Change
“Tell A Friend” is dedicated to eliminating domestic violence. The group initiated a program where teens who are victims of dating violence recruit other teens to lead prevention workshops on dating violence and sexual harassment. Teen leaders also help design workshops, conduct outreach in the community and guide the direction of the program.
Not Likely to Fund: Social Service
Agency “Goodfoot” is running an after-school program for teen girls that educates and involves them in civic government issues and encourages services projects. Girls are recruited throughout the metropolitan area and work with community volunteers who talk about their volunteer experiences. They are encouraged to work as a volunteer in one of the sponsoring agencies.