The Scherman Foundation is now accepting Letters of Intent to support initiatives that invest in the economic, political, and cultural transformation necessary for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to reclaim and build power.
Donor Name: The Scherman Foundation
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/17/2026
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Priorities
- Arts
- Democracy
- Environmental & Climate Justice
- Reproductive Justice
- Strengthening New York Communities
The Foundation consider the following general criteria in grantmaking process.
- Organizations that are accountable to or directed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.
- While they prioritize BIPOC leadership, main focus is on organizations where BIPOC communities have clear influence and decision-making power over the organization’s strategy, direction, programmatic work, and finances.
- Organizations that are intersectional in their work and practices.
- Intersectionality recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities, shaping their experiences with power. They look for organizations that demonstrate a deep understanding of intersectionality in their mission, programs, and practices; center the voices and experiences of those most affected by multiple forms of oppression; and address the interconnectedness of racial justice with economic status, gender, LGBTQ+, and/or disability justice as well.
- Organizations that work with others to build movements toward racial justice.
- Movement-building is the long-term process of organizing and empowering individuals and organizations to collectively work towards systemic change and a shared vision. They look for organizations and coalitions that reflect key characteristics of movement-building including an authentic mass base; grassroots leadership; a shared ideology or narrative; broad coalition-building; and strategy to create and sustain structural change beyond specific organizations or campaigns. The Foundation supports organizations focused on organizing and advocacy, while Arts funding includes a wider range of approaches.
Strategies
Economic Transformation
- The focus on economic transformation acknowledges that the root causes of economic inequity are linked to white supremacy and racial injustice and that the economic well-being of BIPOC individuals and communities is critical for liberation. They support organizations that focus on
- Strategies and models that provide BIPOC communities with greater access to capital, assets, and opportunities
- Economic stability and security for BIPOC individuals and families
- Advocating for more equitable economic systems through policy reform, institutional changes, and increased transparency
Political Transformation
- The foundation believes that those who have been excluded must lead the way in dismantling current political structures and creating new, inclusive, and reflective democratic processes. They support organizations that focus on
- Work and priorities that are driven by BIPOC communities
- Forging multi-racial coalitions working toward racial justice
- Reforming political structures and processes to make the political system more accessible and accountable to BIPOC communities
- Increasing the participation of BIPOC communities in democratic processes and decision-making at all levels
Cultural Transformation
- Recognizing the crucial role of culture in advancing justice, they support organizations that harness storytelling, expression, and artistic activism to drive systemic change. The focus is on collaborative narrative change strategies, innovative storytelling frameworks, and equitable media accessibility. They support organizations that focus on
- Public Narrative Change: Combating misinformation and harmful stereotypes through investments in journalism, local news outlets, and nonfiction narratives
- Artistic Expression: Supporting the creativity and work of BIPOC artists and communities without imposing agendas or conditions and transforming the field to do the same
- Artivism: Using art as a tool for organizing grassroots movements and collective action, including funding on-the-ground storytelling and public art projects
Eligibility Criteria
- Organizations must have 501(c)(3) charitable status or a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status.
- Foundation does not consider:
- Grants to support specific events or productions
- Direct service work unless embedded in a larger organizing and movement building strategy
- Organizations primarily working outside of the U.S.
For more information, visit The Scherman Foundation.
