Based on what we learned from the pandemic, in 2023, we started the Safety Net Grants program, which supports social service providers responding to the essential needs of marginalized communities and vulnerable residents. With COVID-19 funding from the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program running out, inflation at the highest levels in four decades, and fuel costs rising, we had to help fill in the gaps in the safety net system. And we knew it was important to include those closest to the community in the process.

Safety Net Grants uses participatory grantmaking—the practice of centering affected communities by giving them the power to decide which organizations to fund. We believe organizations led by individuals who mirror the demographic makeup and experiences of their communities are the most impactful. So, we prioritize uplifting traditionally marginalized groups, especially BIPOC-led (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) organizations with 1) a stated mission and/or programs to serve predominantly BIPOC communities; and 2) an executive director or senior leadership, at least 51% of the board of directors, and/or at least 51% of the staff and volunteers identifying as BIPOC.

Our community reviewers—primarily BIPOC nonprofit leaders, past and present grantees, and volunteers—receive stipends to acknowledgment their critical contributions and play a pivotal role in ensuring our processes are transparent and inclusive.

In the initial prescreening round of our grant selection process, reviewers evaluate organizations’ alignment with our priorities and filter out approximately 50% of applicants. In the full review round, each application is examined by a primary and a secondary reviewer, who bring their top applications to a review team meeting. This process is repeated across three full review meetings, ensuring a cooperative decision-making process.

Here’s how we put our principles into action:

  • Multi-year, unrestricted funding: Safety Net Grants feature an open application process, offering two-year grants of $50,000 in general operating support.
  • Simplified paperwork: Our application form is designed for efficiency so it can be completed in under nine hours by 80% of grantseekers. For reporting requirements, we’ve shifted from written reports to conversational reporting and opt for attending scheduled events over site visits to reduce the strain on grantees.
  • Transparency and responsiveness: We ensure clarity about our funding by hosting annual information sessions and offering office hours before application deadlines.
  • Feedback-driven improvement: Following each grant cycle, we distribute an anonymous applicant survey and hold feedback discussions with unsuccessful candidates. Embracing a philosophy of continuous improvement, we value and act upon the feedback we receive.
  • Support beyond funding: In collaboration with Resilia, we offer an online platform that includes courses, templates, personalized nonprofit coaching, and peer learning to enhance organizational capacity.

Our efforts to engage community members in the grant decision-making process underscores our commitment to trust-based principles that prioritize fair power sharing, transparency, and feedback.

Read the full article about participatory grantmaking by Candace Burton at Candid.