Security Rapid Response Fund – May 31

Posted by Borealis Philanthropy on April 30, 2024

Borealis Philanthropy invites applications for Security Rapid Response Fund

Borealis Philanthropy invites applications for the Spark Justice Fund (SJF), which was launched in 2019 and resources grassroots organizing groups that are ending money bail and unjust pretrial detention policies.

The SJF focuses on supporting grassroots and power-building groups to decarcerate, close jails, and advance transformative visions of pretrial justice in the communities most impacted by incarceration. Groups must be working authentically with the communities most impacted by policing and incarceration; have an explicit, demonstrated commitment to racial, disability, and gender justice that is reflected in the organization’s leadership and staffing and in how it conducts its work; and work includes a power-building and leadership-development strategy that centers those most impacted by policing.

Recognizing the challenging and hostile environments that organizations are operating in, particularly during this significant election year, the SJF is now accepting requests for proposals to support organizations addressing safety and security rapid response funding priorities. Applicants may request grants of $10,000 to $25,000. The SJF prioritizes funding for work towards, but not limited to:

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Ensuring the physical safety of staff and volunteers, implementing security protocols, providing safety training, and having emergency response plans in place.

Cybersecurity: Protecting against data breaches, phishing scams, malware attacks, privacy concerns, and protecting sensitive information.

Crisis Communication: Managing communication during times of unexpected or significant adversity that could potentially harm an organization’s reputation, operations, or stakeholders.

Priority considerations include groups that are: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations; led by individuals who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system; led by individuals with disabilities; led by individuals who identify as Trans or Gender-Nonconforming; not receiving significant support from national foundations; and serving communities in historically underfunded geographic areas such as the South, Mid-West, rural areas, U.S. Territories, etc. Priority will be given to groups working on policy reforms and budget advocacy, jail closure campaigns, abolishing cash bail, piloting community-led alternatives to safety, and mutual aid and power building.

To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization and have a 2024 annual operating budget of $750,000 or less.

Proposals are currently being accepted on a rolling basis until funding designated for this support is depleted.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Borealis Philanthropy website.

Deadline: May 31, 2024 Rolling