We Raise Foundation identifies innovative ideas, people, and programs that raise consciousness, community leadership and capital. Motivated by our belief that freedom is grace in action, we provide grants and assistance with resource development to organizations that work at the intersection of poverty, violence, and inequality. We have a preference for solutions within the areas of education, workforce development, and criminal justice—funding non-profit, Christian organizations that predominantly serve communities of color.

We Raise’s Grant Programs are about much more than money. Long-term successful programs and leaders also benefit from expert advice, connections with other inspired leaders and additional funding opportunities. These grants aim to provide both financial support and expert resources to strengthen the program for sustainable impact.

As part of our grant partnership, We Raise encourages and expects you to participate in activities to strengthen your program, leadership, and effectiveness. We offer two grant programs. Explore which one is the best fit for your program!

GrantPlus grants are our largest and most competitive grant program, partnering with Christian organizations in Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Oakland/San Francisco working at the intersection of poverty, violence, and inequality. These grants are particularly focused on education, workforce development, or criminal justice. There are two deadlines each year.

• Receive up to $100,000 over three years
• Utilize our crowdfunding platform during the term of your grant to expand your fundraising efforts and connect with more supporters. You’ll benefit from a campaign consultant and matching dollars from We Raise when you successfully reach goals of $20,000, $36,000 and $51,000. Donor information from the campaign is exclusive property of the grantee
• Work alongside We Raise staff at some point during the term of your grant as they conduct a resource development assessment and help your organization uncover additional opportunities for growth
• Each year of the grant term request reimbursement of $2,500 in Capacity Building Funds to invest in the effectiveness and future sustainability of your program
• Attend We Raise’s webinars at no cost
• Invite emerging leaders between the ages of 20-35 from your program to attend We Raise’s Emerging Leader Convening
• Receive a report on foundation prospects
• Wealth screening on up to 10,000 names

Emerging Leader Grants are an investment in the development of leaders between the ages of 20-35, at Christian organizations who are leading new programs at the intersection of poverty, violence and inequality. This grant application has a rolling deadline with grants awarded quarterly.

• Receive $15,000 over two years. Ten thousand supports the new program and five thousand supports leadership development. This leadership development includes:
  • Attendance at a Leadership Fundamentals conference through The Center for Creative Leadership
  • Associated expenses for travel and lodging
  • Attendance at the Global Leadership Summit through satellite locations
  • Individualized Leadership Coaching
• Attend We Raise’s webinars at no cost
• Invitation to attend We Raise’s Emerging Leader Convening
• Join the network of We Raise’s Emerging Leader Grantees to share skills and learn from each other

Find out what kind of programs we fund, what is included in grant proposals, and what is involved in the review process.