Social Change Leader Funds
Our Social Change Leader Funds equip changemakers from communities historically denied power with the resources and support they need to drive meaningful impact efficiently and effectively.
What are Social Change Leader Funds?
Social Change Leader Funds are grantmaking solutions from GroundUp Collective Foundation that empower community leaders to raise resources for their social justice work. Leaders can pool vision and resources with others through a Collective Action Fund, or support a specific initiative via a Single Entity Fund (Model C fiscal sponsorship). Our team partners with changemakers to determine the philanthropic tool that best amplifies their impact.
Our Philanthropic Tools
Collective Action Funds
Social change takes all of us. Collective Action Funds (CAFs) bring multiple leaders together with GroundUp to turn shared vision into lasting impact. Guided by an independent advisory committee that reflects the voices of impacted communities, each CAF ensures grantmaking is rooted in equity and lived experience.
CAFs often power work such as community organizing, amplifying community voices, and other vital strategies to dismantle systemic racism and injustice. With GroundUp’s operational and compliance expertise, partners can recommend grants not only to 501(c)(3) organizations but also to 501(c)(4)s for project-specific charitable activities—expanding the reach and effectiveness of their philanthropy.
Single Entity Funds
Many changemakers want to raise and direct funds to a specific project or initiative—without the burden of creating a nonprofit. With Single Entity Funds (also known as Model C fiscal sponsorship), GroundUp extends our 501(c)(3) status and operational support so leaders can streamline fundraising and grantmaking, and focus fully on driving impact.
Strategic Advising
GroundUp advisors bring the strategy and expertise that help social change leaders maximize their impact. With skilled facilitation, deep program knowledge, and forward-thinking guidance, our team helps partners navigate the tools and initiatives that move social justice forward.
More Ways to Make Change
Grantmaking is only one path to impact. For social change leaders immersed in the day-to-day work of justice, GroundUp offers Model A fiscal sponsorship—a deep, hands-on partnership that provides the infrastructure, expertise, and support needed to build stronger communities and lasting change.
Why GroundUp?
Social Change Leader Funds at GroundUp give partners the expertise and operational support to turn bold ideas into powerful pathways toward justice.
MISSION
At GroundUp, we believe change starts where passion meets opportunity. Through the power of youth sports and media arts, we give young people the tools to create, compete, and lead. With the support of our donors and partners, we shift resources and amplify voices in communities too often left behind. Our mission is simple: build equity from the ground up—unlocking talent, fueling creativity, and sparking movements that last.
That’s why we created Collective Funds—born from the spirit of collaboration. These funds allow individuals and organizations to pool resources around a shared cause and work together to direct grants where they can spark the greatest impact. By joining forces, we make giving smarter, louder, and stronger—because lasting change is built together.
Flexibility
Social justice doesn’t wait—so neither do we. At GroundUp, our funds are built for speed and flexibility, moving resources quickly across borders and into the hands of leaders who need them most. From complex grants to international giving, and even support for 501(c)(4)s, for-profits, and other nontraditional vehicles, we’re always finding new ways to fuel bold ideas and drive lasting impact.
Empowerment
GroundUp creates space for collaboration that sparks real change. We bring together social change leaders and organizations to build a shared mission, vision, and grantmaking process—turning bold ideas into sustainable solutions that last.
Capacity Building
When partners need extra capacity, GroundUp has their back. Our advisors step in to extend their reach—offering grantee research, financial reporting, and thoughtful grant recommendations that keep impact moving forward.
How to Start a
Social Change Leader Fund
STEP 1 | Submit our Partner With Us form
Complete the form, then our team will contact leaders to discuss our potential partnership.
STEP 4 | Make an establishing gift
Once we have full approval, we formalize our partnership and process the establishing gift.
STEP 5 | Start your giving journey
Partners meet their designated advisor and get on the path to impact with Tides at their side.
STEP 2 | Talk to us
We’ll talk to prospective partners about their goals, ensure our values are aligned, then recommend the best fund vehicle to support the causes they care about.
STEP 3 | Complete an application
If the partner and Tides are mission-aligned, our team will send an application so we can learn more about their goals for the fund.
Interested in Partnering with GROUNDUP?
Nothing is stronger than people coming together for justice. At GroundUp, we turn that collective power into lasting change—join us and help fuel a future where equity rises from the ground up.
