Possibility Grants

The Opportunity

Designed and decided by BAY Fellows, Possibility Grants are general operating grants of $100,000 per organization, awarded with flexible grant terms of either one or two years.

Ten grants will be made in 2024.

Funding Priorities

Grants will be made to organizations that are essential to building a more just and equitable society, are actively working to challenge systems of oppression through cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, or art in response to current domestic and global political climate, and have an intergenerational lens that uplifts youth.

Applications do not need to focus on all the named focus areas. Grantseekers have the discretion to decide which areas to emphasize based on what aligns best with their work and what they wish to highlight. It is up to each organization to determine how to present their efforts and achievements within these focus areas.

Cultural Education Defined

In the context of the Possibility Grant, “cultural education” is understood as encompassing the education of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) culture, along with the history of the BIPOC experience both within and outside the United States. This includes teaching about the rich traditions, contributions, and perspectives of BIPOC communities, as well as the challenges and injustices they have faced throughout history. The aim is to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of these cultures and histories, promoting awareness, empathy, and respect.

Timeline

• July 19: Application and nomination window opens
• August 13: Nomination window closes to allow nominated organizations enough time to apply
• August 19, 5pm PDT: Applications due
• Through September 13: Interviews and site visits for finalists
• September 17: Panel review and recommendations
• October 1: Awards announced

Who Can Apply

Applying organizations need to be

• a 501(c)3 entity, or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 entity,  to receive grant funds
• located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County

We are prioritizing organizations serving communities in Alameda and San Francisco counties.

We are prioritizing support of small organizations.

• A third of the grants will go to very small organizations with operating budgets up to $100,000.
• A third of the grants will go to small organizations with operating budgets greater than $100,000 and less than or equal to $1,000,000.
• A third of the grants will go to small to medium organizations with operating budgets greater than $1,000,000 or less than or equal to $5,000,000.

Applying organizations are

• Working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression through cultural education, Black liberation values, community based care, healing, or art
• Fostering intergenerational connections to uplift youth
• Centering collaboration
• Seeking a strong intersectional impact in their work

To Apply

The window for Possibility Grant applications closed at 5pm PDT on Monday, August 19, 2024.
Thank you to all applicants for their submissions. Applicants advancing to panel review will be notified by September 12, 2024.

Download the application form in Word format to review the questions are asked in the application.

To Nominate an Organization

Nominations for Possibility Grant applicants closed on August 13, 2024.
Thank you to community members for recommending 27 organizations to apply. 

Questions?

Use our contact form here.