Our 2025 multi-year grant cycle is now open!
This cycle will invest $3 million in multi-year grants for collaborative systems change projects working to address the root causes of pressing challenges by transforming policies, systems, and mindsets to create stronger, thriving, and more equitable communities.
Systems change takes time. We believe multi-year grants give organizations the time needed to examine the deeper causes of poverty, build relationships and trust, and foster shared leadership—including with community partners and people who are directly impacted—and to reimagine equitable solutions to complex community problems.
Proposals must focus on one or more of the following priorities: early care and education, housing access, mental health, and/or substance use. Please check out the grant guidelines to see how we describe these priorities.
Grant Details
Award Amount: Up to $300,000
Grant Duration: 3 years
To Apply: Visit our website to read the grant guidelines and
submit an Intent to Apply form by April 11 at 5 p.m.
What do we mean by systems change?
We define systems change as collaborative efforts that aim to shift policies, practices, mindsets, and decision-making structures that hold poverty and other complex problems in place. These efforts often take the shape of policy advocacy and community-driven initiatives aimed at achieving equitable, long-lasting solutions to complex community problems.
This deep community change work focuses on building relationships and trust to foster a shared vision, aligned goals, and collaborative action across organizations, agencies, and sectors. By engaging in systems change efforts, we are asked to challenge our assumptions about a problem and why it persists, reflect on our own role in maintaining the status quo, and work across community to reimagine and transform how the work is done to achieve long-lasting, equitable solutions. Please read the grant guidelines for more details.
Want to touch base?
If you have questions or would like to discuss your proposal, please reach out by email, [email protected].
We’re hosting drop-in office hours for this grant cycle. You’re welcome to stop in during any of the times below to talk through your proposal and get answers to your questions. No appointments necessary.
- Menasha: Tuesday, March 25th, 3-5pm (Menasha Public Library Lake Winnebago room, 440 1st St)
- Oshkosh: Wednesday, March 26th, 10am-12pm (Oshkosh Food Co-op community room, 155 Jackson St #101)
- Green Bay: Thursday, March 27th, 10am-12pm (Basic Needs Giving Partnership office, 340 N Broadway, Suite 450)
We look forward to reading your proposals. If you know an organization leading or planning to start a systems change initiative, please forward this email to them to help spread the news.
With gratitude,
Stephanie Gyldenvand
Director of Grantmaking