Grant Programs

The New World Foundation currently operates five grant programs, and three special programs. Each is a result of collaborations between New World, external donors and other foundations. Typically, contributions of donors to the funds range from $100,000 or more. Our grantees span the globe.

We do not accept unsolicited grant proposals because we prefer to make multi-year commitments. Funds for new projects are always in short supply. We only engage in new relationships through our staff.

Grant Programs

Special Projects & Programs

How We Make Grants

Base building. We believe community-based organizations participating in regional and national movements are the only ones that can create lasting social change for the poor and exploited in America.

Democratic process. We encourage our grantees to make decisions democratically, promote race and gender equality, and develop new leaders.

Regional and cluster grants. By funding organizations that work together strategically across labor, environmental justice, human rights, economic development, and civil rights issues, we maximize their impact.

General support. We prefer to fund organizations over many years, rather than for short-term projects. We believe organizations grow stronger when leaders can distribute funds over time.

We make four primary types of grants:

  • Maintenance grants, for organizations that serve as anchors for others.
  • Initiative grants, for projects which add value to ongoing work.
  • Inquiry grants, which include seed grants and matching grants.
  • Special project grants

New World Foundation occasionally makes smaller discretionary grants to support meetings between grantees, deal with cash-flow emergencies, pay for travel, and help organizations promote themselves to new donors.

We assess grantees every year, and evaluate our overall program every three to five years. Evaluation takes place through extensive site visits by our staff and consultation with colleagues.

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