7 Million Strong

Criteria

1. Focus on communities and youth of color: Is your approach tailored to young men and women of color? Do your services or strategies address the specific needs of these individuals and communities?
2. Community-based: Is there a deep understanding of the community? Is the community engaged in the work?
3. High potential for impact: Do you use a creative approach that will yield immediate impact? What is the potential for making a difference on the ground?
4. Actionable: Given the urgency, will this initiative meet objectives immediately? Are you prepared to execute now? Do you have the right team? What makes this the right strategy for this moment?

Eligibility

Eligible candidates for 7 Million Strong may be individuals, teams of individuals, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises. We are particularly interested in grassroots and youth-led organizations, teams, or individuals efforts.

To be eligible, all applicants must:

1. Be 18 years of age or older. If under 18 years old, please see FAQ.
2. Be individuals and organizations based in and whose work is focused solely on communities in the United States
3. Submit an application in English
4. Include completed responses to all required application questions
5. Agree to all legal terms and conditions of the 7 Million Strong Fund grant program
6. Be able to legally receive grant funding

Applications

Applications will be evaluated by our internal team as well as by select advisors who will be reviewing applications against a set of specific benchmarks that include an applicant’s track record, potential for impact, strategies, and ability to execute quickly and effectively.

Track record: ideally, applicants have a deep commitment and understanding of the issue and community. They have experience, a support network, and relevant knowledge to lead this work and prepared with the skills to activate the community to achieve intended results.

Impactful strategies: ideally, applicants have strategies and robust plans that will produce tangible results. They have clearly described what success looks like, the resources required and articulated clear, achievable impact and benefits for target population.

Ecosystem: ideally, applicants possess an intersectional and inclusive approach with potential for deep community engagement. They have secured and/or identified key resources and partners and they leverage (or improve on) existing models/best practices.