To be eligible for an MRG grant, an applicant must:
- Be organizations – MRG does not fund scholarships or projects by individuals.
- Work primarily in Oregon and be based in Oregon – MRG does not fund groups headquartered out of state, even if they’re working in Oregon.
- Have an annual organizational budget less than $500,000
Responsive Grant Criteria:
- Dismantling oppression. Institutionalized oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism and ableism are the primary tools used to perpetuate injustice. While MRG recognizes the multidimensionality of oppression MRG centers race and asks all applicants, regardless of issue area, to name ways that their organizing work challenges institutional racism.
- Impact. MRG funds groups that will have a deep impact in their community and where our funding will play a critical role in moving a group’s social change work forward.
- Leadership. We believe that the people most impacted by an issue are best suited to address it. MRG asks all applicants, regardless of issue area, to show how the leadership of their organization reflects people most impacted by the issue addressed by this grant.
If you meet all of the above criteria, please contact the MRG Grants Program at 503-234-2338 in Portland, or 1-800-489-6743 toll-free to request an application. Groups that have not been previously funded by MRG Foundation must talk to grants staff before completing an application.
Expand All | Collapse AllCan I apply for a grant if my organization does not have a 501(c)(3)?
Yes. Groups without a 501(c)(3) exemption or fiscal sponsor are still eligible for Critical Response Grants, Travel Grants, and/or a 6-month General Fund Grant as long as your work meets IRS requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations. We do not fund groups that are incorporated as a business, personal hobby organization, or a mutual benefit corporation.
How does MRG define "based in Oregon"?
Your organization’s office must be located in Oregon, your work must primarily be directed to people in Oregon, and the majority of your board and staff must be located in Oregon.
How does MRG Foundation define dismantling oppression in grassroots organizing?
Institutionalized oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism and ableism are the primary tools used to perpetuate injustice. While MRG recognizes the multidimensionality of oppression MRG centers race and asks all applicants, regardless of issue area, to name ways that their organizing work challenges institutional racism.
Will you fund proposals that include lobbying?
Yes. For proposals that include lobbying to be considered:
- Your organization or your fiscal sponsor must have a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption AND have filed the 501(h) election.
- Your application should be for general support.
If a proposal is for a special project, the funds from MRG cannot be earmarked for lobbying and the dollar amount of non-lobbying activities must exceed the funding requested from MRG. Contact grants program staff if your proposal will include lobbying.
How can I get more information and assistance in applying?
The first step for new applicants is to review the How to Apply section. Then contact MRG Grants Program at 503-234-2338 in Portland, or 1-800-489-6743 toll free to request an application.
If you’re applying for a General Fund grant, you will receive a General Fund Grants Guide with your application, which will provide you with detailed criteria information and instructions. Grants staff are also available by phone or email to help your group determine its eligibility for grants, guide you through the funding process, and assist you in completing the application.
My group just received a General Fund grant, are we eligible for another General Fund grant?
Not immediately. Groups may apply for one General Fund grant each year. We will fund groups for multiple years in a row, as long as each proposal meets our criteria.
We've never been funded by MRG Foundation before. Are we eligible for a Leadership Grant?
As long as your proposal meets our other criteria and your group’s budget is between $100,000 and $500,000. We look at your most recently completed fiscal year’s actual expenses, the current year’s budgeted expenses, and next year’s budgeted expenses. All three years must be between $100,000 and $500,000.
My group's budget is $510,000. Are we eligible for a Leadership Grant?
No. MRG Foundation does not fund groups with annual organizational budgets over $500,000.
Are there specific areas MRG Foundation does not fund?
Yes. We do not fund:
- unions or direct labor organizing.
- illegal activities such as actions that might arise from civil disobedience.
- individuals, personal hobby, mutual benefit and for-profit organizations.
- activity that supports or opposes specific political parties and/or candidates.
- lobbying, unless the group meets our specific criteria for lobbying. If your proposal will include lobbying activity, please contact Esther before applying.
- work that has already happened or that will be completed before funding would begin.
We also do not fund previously funded groups with overdue grant reports or work that has already happened or that will be completed before funding would begin.