GROUNDUP Philanthropy
Through GroundUp, we partner with mission-driven funders to move resources and power directly to the proximate leaders driving social justice. Together, we fuel the vision and leadership of communities building a more just and equitable future.
What is Social Justice Philanthropy?
Social justice philanthropy starts with a simple truth: the best solutions come from the people living closest to the issues. Unlike traditional philanthropy—which can be top-down and disconnected—this approach affirms the wisdom and power of proximate leaders and their communities.
At GroundUp, our giving practices are rooted in deep partnership. We work side by side with community leaders and funders to direct money, resources, and influence toward local organizations on the frontlines of change—from climate justice to racial equity, reproductive freedom to democracy, and beyond.
Because when resources flow where they’re needed most, movements grow stronger, and justice rises from the ground up.
Our Philanthropic Tools
Donor Advised Funds
For partners who share our commitment to uplifting leaders and communities historically denied power, GroundUp’s donor-advised funds make giving simple, flexible, and deeply impactful—fueling the social justice work that builds lasting change.
Collective Action Funds
Born from a spirit of collaboration, GroundUp’s collective funds let people and organizations pool their resources around a shared cause—and work side by side to direct grants where they can spark the most impact.
Social Change Leader Funds
Social Change Leader Funds are dynamic grantmaking tools offered through the GroundUp Collective Foundation, designed to empower community leaders. These funds help leaders raise resources and strategically direct dollars toward meaningful social justice initiatives—fueling real change where it matters most.
Strategic Advising & Consulting
For donors driven by passion and vision, we partner to turn bold ideas into action. Our advisors help design and implement equity-centered giving strategies that amplify impact and create meaningful, lasting change.
GROUNDUP Initiatives
Join forces with like-minded donors to fuel community-based organizations tackling today’s most urgent challenges—turning shared resources into meaningful, lasting impact.
Impact Investing
At GroundUp, we combine years of social justice experience with a deep understanding of your values, crafting personalized investment portfolios that bring your vision for positive change to life.
Unlock the Power of Your Assets
Tackling the critical issues of our time requires bold, large-scale action. Too often, philanthropy—especially through private foundations and donor-advised funds—leaves assets sitting on the sidelines. At GroundUp, we see philanthropy not as a tax write-off, but as a powerful tool to fuel movements that drive real change. We inspire and empower activist donors to direct 20–30% of their funds annually, equipping community leaders on the frontlines to create lasting impact.
Why GroundUp?
Grantmaking
Our advisors and legal experts combine a deep commitment to equity with extensive philanthropic knowledge, empowering our donors to make larger, more complex grants than anywhere else. Through GroundUp, donors can support charitable programs at 501(c)(4)s, international organizations, and beyond—turning their resources into meaningful impact across the globe.
We unite our partners’ resources with our versatile giving tools, deep issue-area expertise, and expansive network—turning collective action into a powerful force for justice.
Expertise
We honor the trust our partners place in us, knowing it must be earned. Through ethical grantmaking, a commitment to operational excellence, and advisors with deep social sector expertise, we carefully steward donor resources to maximize impact.
Connection
GroundUp leverages our expansive network to identify the social justice leaders and movements that need support the most—helping our donors fund high-impact work they might not discover on their own. Along the way, donors have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with fellow funders and change-makers who share their vision and passion for justice.
Trust-Based Philanthropy
GroundUp empowers our funders to practice trust-based philanthropy, ensuring their resources support community-led solutions rooted in justice and centered on equity. By leveraging our diverse fund types and our advisors’ expertise, donors can design bigger, more impactful philanthropic initiatives that truly drive change.
Interested in Partnering with GroundUp?
There’s no stronger force than people coming together for justice. Join us, and help turn collective energy into lasting, meaningful change.
