Emerging Leader Grants from We Raise Foundation

EMERGING LEADER GRANTS

EMERGING LEADER GRANTS

Emerging Leader Grants are an investment in the development of leaders, between the ages of 20-35, at Christian organizations who are leading new programs at the intersection of poverty, violence, and inequality in the United States.

Emerging Leader grants are $15,000 over two years for new programs led by young adult leaders. Of the $15,000, $10,000 is designated for expenses for the new program and $5,000 is designated exclusively for the cost of leadership development opportunities for the emerging leader to be used during the grant term.

This grant program has a rolling deadline with grants awarded twice a year.

Finding Our Leaders

We believe investing in leaders and their programs when they are getting started can have a catalytic impact on both the program, and the kind of leader that person will be long into the future. We seek to identify leaders who possess these skills and characteristics:

  • Inspires and influences others
  • Clear communicator
  • Visionary and strategic thinking
  • Persistence and commitment
  • Develops trust within their team
  • Deep engagement in their community
  • A calling to this work, rooted in faith in Christ

The key eligibility guideline for this program in addition to our overall eligibility is that leaders of the program must be between the ages of 20-35.

What Does an Emerging Leader Grantee Receive?

How to Apply

We are unable to accept applications at this time due to the COVID-19 crisis.

We are currently focused on supporting our existing grantee partners, but look forward to making new grants in the future.

To receive an email update when the application process will open again, enter your information here.

How to Apply

  • Before applying, please review our general eligibility requirements here.
  • Proposals can only be submitted via our online grantee portal. Click the Apply Now button below to begin.
  • Upon clicking the Apply Now button and making a profile on the grantee portal, a list of questions can be downloaded for your planning and preparation purposes.
  • Review projects that have been previously funded in our Grants Directory.
  • Review the Emerging Leader Grant Schedule below for upcoming deadlines.
  • Please note – Past Emerging Leader Grant recipients are ineligible to apply for another Emerging Leader Grant.

We Raise Foundation Theory of Change

We Raise Foundation’s Theory of Change, in conjunction with the mission, vision, and goals for our program, provides a clear statement of what we hope to achieve and how our programs, particularly our grant making, will achieve this vision.

A Theory of Change is the process of showing the steps that link program interventions with the big picture goal to be achieved. Ideally, it should show the impact of a program over time. While We Raise Foundation believes we contribute to a vision of people free from poverty, violence, and inequality, we see our primary role as partnering with and supporting Christian organizations and emerging leaders to develop sustainable programs that help people thrive through grant making, leadership development, and assistance with resource development.

Additional Information

Questions should be directed to the Programs staff here.

Once submitted, proposals are reviewed by We Raise staff. Applicants may be interviewed or called to discuss their proposal. Program staff may also contact mentors of applicants to gain additional insight. Requested revisions or resubmissions are not uncommon.

Recommendations will be given to the President for approval and denial. Grant awards are announced according to the schedule below. Applicants will be contacted via email when grant decisions are made.

If a grant is awarded, grantees are required to submit reports detailing the progress of the program and leader, including outcomes measurement, financial reporting, photos of the program in action, and impact stories. Reports are required to be submitted every six months during the grant term and one two-year follow-up after the grant term has ended. Failure to submit reports in a timely manner may make the sponsoring organization ineligible for future grants.

Proposal Submission Date
February 15
September 30
Grant Announcement
April
November

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