Geographic Scope:

Please note, for 2008 we will only be considering new requests for work connected to California.

This program has a California focus but we will consider funding requests for work beyond California to support work of potentially significant national impact and exemplary organizations. By exemplary we mean:

• work that could inform California or national efforts
• use of strategies that would support the broader movement
• demonstrated leadership of the most clearly affected
• grassroots organizing and movement building as important elements
• efforts that support the development of progressive victims/survivors of crime work

Note: funding for work outside California is limited to national, regional or statewide groups. We cannot consider proposals from local groups outside California at this time.

In addition to compatibility with program goals, we look for movements, networks and organizations where:

• those who are most impacted by the violence and social injustice being addressed have a strong voice in creating solutions and alternatives, as evidenced by their active participation in the organization, including in decision-making, as well as mechanisms that provide for organizational accountability to broader social bases
• there is a gender perspective that addresses:  the role of women within the organization itself, goals or desired outcomes for women, and an analysis regarding the implication and impact of the work on women (for example: the power dynamics between men and women; the gender dimension of the social problems that the organization seeks to address, etc.)
• there is collaboration; local, regional, national and international collaboration is a possible indicator of dynamic relationships with larger social movements, and the absence of such collaboration may be an indicator of isolation from social movements
• there is organizational learning: the organization demonstrates the capacity to reflect on its experience and adapt to lessons and insights
• nonviolence is integral to activities: organizational structure and decision-making process reflect the values of the new society sought; the work reflects consistency between means and ends
• empowerment is integral to the work: there’s a strengthening of the commitment, confidence, competence and effectiveness of organizers/educators/participants/constituents

We attempt to evaluate the potential for achieving goals by looking at:

• Quality of leadership (vision, competence, trustworthiness, etc.)
• Quality and alignment of goals, objectives, strategies, and activities
• History of the organization: indications of progress in achieving goals

Other considerations:

• We value partnerships and ongoing relationships and see them as an opportunity to build trust and deepen collaboration. Therefore we seek outstanding, committed, capable and visionary groups/individuals and we are open to the possibility of developing long-term collaborations.
• We will consider groups who are taking risks, are creative, and who may not have an established track record but who do have other indicators of potential success (e.g., clarity of vision, well-respected leaders, demonstrated commitment).
• We look for mobilization more than research. Research is essential to social change work and there are some organizations that do excellent work in this regard. However, we prefer to focus funding on projects and initiatives that would be most difficult to convince other funders of the need for or the value of taking the associated risks. If we do fund research, it is usually in response to a request by social movement networks based on an identified need to further movement building.
• We tend to support education and direct service efforts only as a complement of, or when tied to, social movement building and a larger social change process.
• One-time events or experiences without effective follow-up or on-going relationships with the participants are generally NOT funded.
• We will consider funding distribution of a media production that is linked to movement building but we won’t fund production costs.
• Regarding finances and financial resources: There must be financial integrity and accountability within the organization. We weigh the value of our financial support within the overall finances of the organization. We will consider funding organizations that are well established and have a good track record, but whose support and viability are threatened as funders move on to new issues. However, we tend not to fund groups who, once they are well established, have a lessened need for our financial support.