1. Confirm Your Eligibility.  

Verify that your organization meets all core eligibility requirements before beginning your process.

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2. Review the Applicant Guide & Program Funding Areas Guide

Begin your process by reviewing the newly adopted applicant guide and program funding areas guide for new and renewing applicants.  The guide will provide insight into our process, timelines, and selection criteria. Identify the fund that aligns most with your work and goals. Organizations can apply to only one fund per twelve-month period.

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​3. Submit a Letter of Introduction - During Open Calls

Submit a Letter of Introduction (LOI) during open call periods.  The 2026 Oakland open call period is now closed.  Chicago-based organizations applying by invitation will receive a dedicated portal link as part of their invitation communication.

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4. Submit a Full Proposal - Oakland & Chicago Area (By Invitation Only)

If your LOI is advanced, you will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal. Organization's with a prior funding history in Oakland or Chicago may be invited to bypass the LOI process and submit an application for funding consideration utilizing our new process, framework and program funding areas.  

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