In light of our commitment to equity, ACT has adopted a trust-based approach to grantmaking that breaks down the traditional power dynamic between funder and grantee and begins to create a collaborative environment that supports listening, learning, and true partnership. We believe it will enable ACT to be more nimble and responsive to needs that arise.
As a response to the pandemic, ACT started the Alexandria Resilience Fund in 2020. Nearly four years later, COVID continues to have an impact in our community. Thus, we are spending down the fund and will be offering capacity building grants and professional development opportunities that support pandemic recovery and organizational resilience.
Based on many conversations with nonprofit leaders and learnings from the pandemic response, we are prioritizing upcoming capacity building requests specifically for:
- Community engagement
- Fund development planning
- Racial equity
- Strategic planning
Our goal is to invest $125,000 and invite requests up to $20,000. We anticipate awarding 6-7 grants. The grant process will launch on Tuesday, September 26. ACT will host an online information session on September 26 at 9:30am to discuss grant opportunities, ACT’s approach to grantmaking, and more. The session will be recorded and posted on ACT’s website.
In addition, starting this fall, Heather Jelks from Nautilus Consulting will offer professional development opportunities for those interested in building resilience among teams, executive leaders, and individual staff members.
Register here for the next capacity building information session and stay tuned for registration for upcoming professional development opportunities!
