Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott is drawing back the curtain on her giving, putting out a call for applications for grants from a $250 million initiative.
Being referred to as an “Open Call” for a program called “Yield Giving,” the initiative is focused on elevating organizations working with people and in places “experiencing the greatest need in the United States: communities, individuals, and families with access to the fewest foundational resources and opportunities.”
Each awardee will receive an unrestricted operating gift of $1 million. The registration period is open and here is the link … https://bit.ly/3K1zJPg
This initiative seeks community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to advance the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means, and groups who have met with discrimination and other systemic obstacles, according to information on the registration page. “Organizations best suited to this initiative will enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources,” according to the announcement.
Among those more likely to gain a grant are organizations providing access to health care, stable and affordable housing, education and job training, support for sustained employment, asset ownership, civic engagement, and other pathways. They may also be engaged in data collection and communication to amplify the voices of people and communities struggling against inequities.
Community-led, community-focused nonprofits from across the United States and U.S. Territories are invited to apply.
Interested organizations must register to apply before 4 p.m. U.S. Central Time on Friday, May 5. Complete applications are due before 4 p.m. U.S. Central Time on Monday, June 12. Organizations must have an annual operating budget of at least $1 million and no more than $5 million for at least two of the last four fiscal years to be eligible to apply.
The Yield Giving Open Call is being managed by Lever for Change, a nonprofit that leverages its networks to find and fund solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, including racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of economic development, and climate change.
After applications are submitted, they will undergo Administrative Review and Participatory Review by other applicants. In the Fall of 2023, up to 1,000 applicants top-rated by their peers will advance to the Evaluation Panel Review by a panel recruited for experience relevant to this initiative. The donor team will select from among the organizations recommended by their peers and this external evaluation panel and announce 250 awardees in early 2024.
Valid applications will be scored by five fellow applicants during Participatory Review in July 2023. Up to 1,000 top-scoring applicants will advance to Evaluation Panel Review, where they will be scored by five Evaluation Panel Reviewers. Scores will be adjusted to ensure fairness. Selecting from amongst the top organizations, the donor and Lever for Change will announce 250 awardees in early 2024.
