Block and Build: Rapid Response Grant
The Block & Build Rapid Response Fund is currently accepting applications.
The rolling deadline is the 15th of every month.
We host monthly virtual office hours to answer questions and provide support. Please email us at power@southernvision.org for details!
The re-election of Trump is a signal that authoritarian and right-wing ideology is on the rise. As we find ourselves flooded with a spate of bills and executive orders, we know we need to support collective action to block this tide of hate and reaction. As in 2016, we believe we will see an uptick in violence against queer communities, immigrants, and marginalized groups by white supremacist forces that feel emboldened.
The Block and Build Rapid Response and Defense Fund provides immediate, flexible resources to frontline organizations in the Southeast as they face rising authoritarian threats and incidents of hate or violence. This fund supports organizations in responding quickly to crises in ways that center the voices and leadership of directly impacted individuals. The fund prioritizes:
- Centering impacted communities to address incidents of hate, violence, or regressive policies.
- Fostering solidarity by strengthening community connections and collective action.
- Efforts that center collective action and organizing as a primary strategy to build power.
The fund will offer small monthly grants of $500 – $3,000. Funding decisions will be made by the Community Advisory Board – read more about our board!
Examples of What We Fund
- Funding for a series of demonstrations to oppose funding and staffing cuts at National and State parks.
- Funding to support migrant groups hosting trainings on deportation defense.
Monthly Timeline for Proposals
All proposals for consideration must be submitted by the 15th of the month.
Notifications will go out by the 5th of the following month.
Payments will begin to be processed on the 10th of the following month, after all paperwork is completed.
Eligibility Criteria
Projects must be led by individuals most affected, particularly immigrants, Black communities, youth, and LGBTQ individuals.
Proposals must address new incidents, initiatives, or policies that require an urgent response.
Applicants must have an annual budget of $250,000 or less.*
Priority will be given to organizations with limited access to traditional funding sources.
What we DO NOT fund:
- Work outside of time-sensitive and urgent rapid response & emergent organizing in direct response to a specific event, catalyst, crisis, or opportunity
- Broad General Operating Support or Budget Shortfalls (including back-to-back, repeated proposals)
- Government or State Agencies, Universities
- Nonprofits that do not have movement-building and organizing as their core strategy and purpose (Newsrooms, Charity, Direct Services/Shelters, Business Technical Assistance, etc)
- Work outside of the US South
- For-profit Business, Social Enterprise, Start-Up Costs, Capital-Raising campaigns
- Individuals (activists, artists, healers, consultants)
A Note on Fund Timing Limitations
While the Block and Build Southeast Rapid Response Fund is designed to provide timely support, we recognize rapid response often requires immediate action. Due to the fund’s operational realities, applications should be submitted for emerging incidents or needs where funding within the next 30-90 days can make a meaningful difference.
We are committed to moving funds on a monthly basis, our timeline reflects the limitations of our review and disbursement process. We encourage applicants to plan their requests accordingly, understanding that this fund is not designed to address immediate, same-day, or next-day needs.
What types of incidents or conditions qualify for rapid-response funding?
Hate incidents, threats, regressive policy actions, intimidation, state repression, or community harm are all examples that qualify for rapid response funding.
Can organizations apply for funding to support preparedness or early-stage organizing in anticipation of escalating threats?
Yes, an organization can apply to support preparedness, an incident does not have to have already occurred. However, there needs to be some compelling information that a new threat is imminent, and that your preparations are in addition to your general operations and existing programming.
Are stipends for resident leaders or organizers, emergency community meetings or safety planning considered eligible expenses when applying for a grant?
Yes, these rapid mobilization efforts are all eligible expenses. The fund’s only restriction is that any activities be non-partisan. Eligible activities must not be part of an organization’s general operations. Mutual aid related expenses must also have a power building lens, longer term engagement, or basebuilding component.
How does the fund define “organizing” and “collective action” for the purposes of this grant?
Please refer to our Movement Glossary for definitions.
Are organizations eligible to receive funding more than once if community conditions persist?
Organizations are limited to 2 grants per year.
*We understand that the budget criteria may not capture the whole picture for every organization. If your annual budget is over $250,000 but you believe your organization should still be considered (for example, you have restricted funding that you cannot use to respond to an urgent need), please contact us at power@southernvision.org to discuss your situation.
